Culture Wars

Carter Cites 'Racism Inclination' in Animosity Toward Obama

Updated 11:01 a.m. 9/16/09By Garance Franke-Ruta
In remarks decried by Republicans, former president Jimmy Carter told NBC's Brian Williams in an interview Tuesday that he believes race is at the core of much of the opposition to President Obama.

"I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he's African American," Carter said. "I live in the South, and I've seen the South come a long way, and I've seen the rest of the country that shared the South's attitude toward minority groups at that time, particularly African Americans"

Continued Carter, who is famously from Georgia: "And that racism inclination still exists. And I think it's bubbled up to the surface because of the belief among many white people, not just in the South but around the country, that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It's an abominable circumstance, and it grieves me and concerns me very deeply."

Carter made the remarks in Atlanta. He was interviewed in connection with his 85th birthday; the network plans to air more from the interview later.

The 39th president also predicted that Obama will be able to "triumph over the racist attitude that is the basis for the negative environment that we see so vividly demonstrated in public affairs in recent days."

The remarks seem sure to renew the controversy over South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson's outburst that might otherwise have faded following passage of a House resolution Tuesday rebuking him for his affront to decorum by shouting "You lie!" at President Obama during an address to Congress last week.

Carter spoke directly to the Wilson matter and the 9/12 anti-government protests during a forum at the Carter Center in Atlanta, also on Tuesday.

"I think it's based on racism," Carter said of the tone of the opposition, in response to an audience question. "There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president."

Signs carried by protesters at the 9/12 anti-government march on Washington such as "we should bury Obama[care] with Kennedy, for instance, and Obama is a Nazi and Obama's pictures with Hitler's mustache on it -- those kind of things are not just casual outcomes of a sincere debate over whether we should have a national program in health care or not," the former president said. "It's deeper than that."

Wilson's son disputed Carter's characterization. "There is not a racist bone in my dad's body," Alan Wilson, who is running for attorney general in South Carolina, told the Associated Press. "He doesn't even laugh at distasteful jokes. I won't comment on former President Carter, because I don't know President Carter. But I know my dad, and it's just not in him."

White House strategists have been loathe to suggest that Americans don't have legitimate policy concerns as the nation emerges from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs on Sunday brushed aside suggestions that Saturday's protests against Obama were in any way racially motivated.

"I don't think the president believes that people are upset because of the color of his skin," Gibbs said on CNN's "State of the Union." "I think people are upset because on Monday we celebrate the anniversary of the Lehman Brothers collapse that caused a financial catastrophe unlike anything we've ever seen."

Carter's comments seem sure to revive the question as a point of controversy. Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele on Wednesday called for a direct response from the president to Carter's remarks, accusing Democrats of "playing the race card ... from the bottom of the deck."

"As the leader of the Democratic Party President Obama should flatly reject efforts by those in his Party...to inject race into our civil discourse in ways that divide, not unite, Americans," he said.

Comments

You lie, shouted Joe Wilson in a congressional setting where the President of United States was addressing the nation on an important matter like the health care reform. Ever since Obama won by an
over whelming response from the people in America, there has been
a strong spliting of opinion in this nation. We all know opinion is based on a belief not absolute certainty of knowledge of what seem true or probable to one's own mind. So who opinion matters more in the question of whether Joe Wilson was wrong for calling Obama a Liar?
There are folks who commend Joe for speaking out. Then there are others who said it is a form of racism. Someone quoted that no one called Bush a liar during any of his speeches and he was lying everytime he opened his mouth. I wonder why? Hmmmm! Joe Wilson shouted out you lie when Obama said that health insurance reform would not pay for illegal immgrants medical care. But before that was said Obama mention how it is time for Republicans to stop all the rhertoric and spreading vicious lies, it is time to move forward.
That was the statement that got under most the republican's skin. Now the question for me is did Obama's tone and choice of words cause the disrespect or was it the color of his skin ? It was both if you ask me. Joe Wilson's son said that insuring illegal immgrants is in the bill for Obama's health care reform. CNN look
for this bill and so did I they did not see it and neither did I maybe
we missed something. Can someone out there show us where this
bill is to be pass by the democrats. There are many groups that are
blatantly vociferous against Obama in their rallies and hometown
meetings. Don't get me wrong ,but a witch doctor and go back to Africa poster signs? I suppose it better then doing nothing like most of that same crowd that did nothing while Bush was in office and literally almost destroyed this country taking all Americans down with it. As I am writing this blog, I am listening to a show call Hardball politics the host
who is a white man said that the people who are out of control is not those that are educated with degrees. Since he said that then who are the ones that are uncivil and out of control? Where do they live? Well maybe you can tell me after reading several opinions of others.
Opinion #1. by Peregrin Wood

Posted by: qualit2u | September 21, 2009 2:06 PM

Without further ado, if not racism, what validity is there for the constant backlash against his character, the man is the president of the United States of America!

Posted by: AP11231 | September 19, 2009 2:05 AM

Joe Wilson's was only the loudest and most easily sourced individual voice of scorn emanating from the Republican sector during Obama's appearance before the joint event hosted by the House.

Posted by: FirstMouse1 | September 17, 2009 11:13 AM

Oh, and only in a godless society would we call a man who really may have been the best presidents, Cater, the worst president. Carter bought people to the peace table no one else could have in his quest for world peace. Most people say he's the worst because that is the way of the carnal minded man who is evil. Carter is the most christian president we've had in recent time. This is why man killed Jesus, he will destroy and call evil any real man of god. This is why Jesus said the poor will always be with us. He may as well as said those without health care will always be with us. He didn't say it because there would never be enough food. He said it because he know that man would allow people to starve even in the midst of having enough food to feed the world. And man will allow children to go without healthcare, even if a man proposes to provide it for everyone. You have yours, that's all that matters.

I understand now, Lord.

Posted by: maurice7 | September 17, 2009 9:12 AM

First of all, if you're a birther, listen to Hannity, Rush or Beck and you believe them, then you are without reason. I know you won't believe it because you do not think for yourself, you have to listen to them for your next move. I listen to them for entertainment purposes.

I grew up during the civil rights movement when so many bad things were being done to us. NOW you would have me believe that all those people who did those things are now sitting on the front church pew. My generation has moved on from it, but we know that those people who bombed the churches, sprayed the water, set the fires, dragged and hanged people, are still here. No, they can't tell you what they did, and how they still feel the same way, but they have convinced you that all those people, millions, have fallen off the earth, But if I lived through it and I am still here, then where are they that did these things? Oh, that's right, they are all saved and redeemed, right?

Posted by: maurice7 | September 17, 2009 8:54 AM

Here is a quote from the “Confederate Catechism” as posted on the “Sons of Confederate Veterans” website. Again, Joe Wilson is a member. Here is what Joe believes:

“The negros were the most spoiled domestics in the world. The Southerners took the negro as a barbarian and cannibal, civilized him, supported him, clothed him, and turned out a devout Christian.”

Past President Jimmy Carter, frankly I feel has a point. Even though Carter was probably the worst president of the 20th century, he is finally correct about racism over President Barack Obama as our nations leader.
Let's face it, neither presidential candidate was a good choice.
Eight years of Bush' republican conservatism was too much to handle, so Obama was the only candidate as the bipartisan majority. For crying-out-loud, was McCain a better candidate? Hell No! Was America ready for a black man in office? Personally I experienced a array of emotions on election night, a black president in office," is this really happening? The group I was surrounded with on election night after Obama was elected was an uproar of contested people in disbelief. Though, I think it was race related. And no one was going to admit it, but we all knew someday this was going to happen. Living as a baby boomer, we are all reminded of prejudisms toward blacks of the past and it cannot be erased. Sure we have wonderful freinds that are black, but we did not take it serious that they could ever be in the leadership of such a high command.
Carter is correct, I do not care what the statistics show about white voters, racism is still evident. Conservatist and radio talk show hosts are beating up Obama and the health care issue is the greatest excuse to show their dissaproval. This governmental health care is considered Obama's test for whether he makes four years or even re-election. I think the pressure as a black man and the scrutiny of whites and other races will come down hard if Obama fails, and will secure whether in the future a black man is elected in the presidential office any time soon.

Posted by: dialsigns | September 17, 2009 4:45 AM

Anyone who opposes Obama will be called a racist. Not just Republicans. Ask Bill Clinton and Geraldine Ferraro if you don't believe me.

Posted by: dencal26 | September 17, 2009 1:12 AM

There's no doubt America is a racist country. But Obama was elected President & it was from the White vote that made it happen. Maybe America prefers a black man to A Republican ? So I guess besides being a racist country we're very anti-Republican.

Posted by: wasaUFO | September 16, 2009 11:06 PM

Yeah I think the problem here is selective listening. President Carter said both times that there's a "fringe element" that are fueled by racism, not that a majority of dissenters are. If you deny this, you are lying to yourself, you are blind or you are just easily led. The message I get is that we are verging on a dangerous and slippery slope once this element starts feeling advocated. Infotainment hacks like Limbaugh, Beck and Hannity recklessly play to this crowd (imho) and make it alright to throw race issues into the mix with an obvious goal of fueling this fire. At least Carter is offering an honest voice in response. Hiding your head in the sand gets you nowhere these days. Except maybe run over. And honestly the loudest rebukers of these remarks are the ones to look out for. If your position is purely policy driven and not race related, why would you even assume Mr. Carter was talking about you? Hmmm.

Posted by: jasonsteed | September 16, 2009 11:04 PM

President Carter is 100% right, and so is
"JenDray". The south went Republican in the late 60's because of the race issue just as much as they went Democrat when a Republican president abolished slavery. Racism is like a genetic disease that is being transmitted from generation to generation. Just like cancer, one day we will find a cure.

Posted by: Franktheliberal | September 16, 2009 10:50 PM

So Jimmy Carter says if you don't approve of what the Obama administration is doing you must be a racists. That makes sense. 9.7% UNEMPLOYMENT, 9 Trillion in additional debt. Government takeovers of health care and the auto industry. Troops still figting in Iraq and Afghanistan. If you oppose any of those things Obama is doing you must be a racist? Jimmy Carter should deal with his own anti-semitism before he tars the majority of the American people with racism!!!

Posted by: valwayne | September 16, 2009 10:09 PM

I agree with President Carter. A person can hate President Obama policies and not hate him personally. However, there are people out there that hate Obama because of his color and can't stand the fact that he is President of the United States. All of the outrageous comments and name calling about Obama are racial overtones.

Posted by: lclon | September 16, 2009 9:52 PM

There are no white racists in the United States, and even if there were, they would not hate Barack Obama because he is black. Everyone knows that.

Posted by: david48 | September 16, 2009 9:19 PM

If it makes you socialist liberals feel any better, Abe Lincoln and the Northern Republicans holds the ultimate record for being the most hated President by 95% of white Southerners. He was also white but the hatred for him was mainly political and was only loosely driven by the slavery issue because he was also a devout racist in the terms of today.

Try and remember that chattel slavery was a legal enterprise of America and must be viewed like abortion is today. The people of the future will condemn those that now promote abortion with the same vengeance as slavery of the past.

It is as deplorable that America allowed slavery in the 1600’s as it is that America allows the slaughter of unborn babies in 2009. We have to accept that it was and is legal and worse thing will follow in the very near future if something is not done to use logic and reason as well as reset our morals, ethics and fairness that apply to all citizens of all races instead of a select few.

I have no advice for you that will allow you the release of this guilt except to realize that you and your family did not contribute to slavery. You nor I have any controls of the evils done in the past and nothing you or the government can do will make up for them. I try to be fair and just to all creeds because that is what I believe. You also have no controls on a culture that is bent on self destruction and allows guidance from foolish and corrupt community leaders.

Take heart in the fact that many have overcome the personal stigma of being a minority and are self sufficient hard working and independent citizens. That generation will help to see that the next generation will be just as spoiled and undisciplined as the whites have allowed theirs to be. This is how a free society should work.

Posted by: longbow65 | September 16, 2009 8:53 PM

I was expecting a rebuttal on facts so let’s stay with political correct issues. To set the stage, let’s look at me first. I was born in the Deep South during Eisenhower’s term. My father was a conservative business owner and my mother was a moderate God fearing Southern Baptist. Both had a high school level education and my older sister was the only child in a family of five to earn a two year college degree. I have no hatred towards any religion or race for that matter. I have struggled for every penny earned and in 1994 earned only $9,000 gross as a contractor and had to pay $3,000 back to the fed in taxes. I paid this debt back over a three year period with no complaints to anyone.

In the forty years I lived in the Deep South I never met or was introduced to a member of the KKK and there was ample opportunity. I had one cousin that I would label a devout racist. You would be surprised what a racist really is and shocked at what they really believe. My working associations with blacks are many and I would consider the vast majority of them very pleasant experiences. My father’s most trusted employee and life long family friend was a black man. He was a pall bearer at my father’s funeral.
The Deep South I came from is still the same simple God fearing country Thomas Jefferson wanted to provide insurances to protect, and the people there have not changed a lot except for the evils that rampant drug use, unemployment, political, financial and social corruption creates. However I do honestly feel the black people that were born in the south and raised with a southern influence have a much higher sense of personal ethics and moral understanding than those that share your views of liberal foolishness. The manners, courtesies and personal pride speak volumes about who they are.

Black people still hold a voting block in the Deep South and most still vote strictly along racial or social lines. Who ever provided the most entitlement received the black vote. This continues today and was somewhat proven again with Colin Powell, an Army General and moderate Republican shifting his allegiance from a war hero and fellow moderate Republican to a black ultra liberal Communist Democrat. It is also why Republicans are having a problem with guidance from Michael Steele. He just does not seem to know which way to lead the party and looking to polls and the media for guidance and direction.

For the reasons above, I really do not care that you still hate my beliefs because I am simply not bound by your skewed political correct reasoning. I am sure your ignorance will persist as you stumble through your life spewing venomous information you really have no understanding of but was simply brainwashed to believe.

Posted by: longbow65 | September 16, 2009 8:17 PM

Whenever a President--former President--cannot reason or argue coherently against a presented position, cannot judge based on character, and believes that any opposition to President Obama's economic policy must be based on race (or an inclination "30% inclination--must be a Sleepnumber thing") it is regretful to say that in light of previous policies, he has now become a racist and an anti-semite, whose opinions are to be given the appropriate level of consideration--none.

As soon as he can recognize that putting the country into the hole more in one year than President bush did in four is not a good thing, and that the government has not exactly been sucessful in running programs as large as even in the National Park Service (750 million in deficit), then his opinion will even be moderately received.

It is too bad that a supposedly educated President seems to have less integrity and common sense than some trolls which have inhabited Washington Post boards.

Until then--Goodbye Jimmy, your opinions are noted and filed in the file where they belong--the round one.

"The preservation of liberty and freedom was the motivating factor in the South's decision to fight the Second American Revolution. The tenacity with which Confederate soldiers fought underscored their belief in the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. These attributes are the underpinning of our democratic society and represent the foundation on which this nation was built."
Posted by: RoyFan
===============================

You seem to have found a treasure chest of enlightening information to use against Joe Wilson. Although I am not a member of Sons of Confederate Veterans, Great Grandfathers on both sides of my family fought for the South and most of the known Confederate generals are my life long heroes. The tactics and ingenuity used during the war between the states was exceptional on the side of the south because they had so much less to work with but still came very close to winning the war.

After the civil war, the freed slaves were allowed to ransack and steal just about anything they wanted in the south with full acceptance of the soldiers and appointed governors in the defeated south. They followed Sherman’s troops and lived off the land and home places they passed. Land was later divided up that belonged to many Confederates that fought and was distributed to many of the slaves and share cropping ventures between white and blacks were formed. Many black Republican officials were appointed to oversee the occupation of the south with many black and white troops enforcing harsh actions and corruption was rampant.

Northern investors the south called “carpet baggers” came and purchased the land given to the blacks for as little as a dollar an acre because the blacks had little or no knowledge of business and thought they were being helped by the government. As usual the government allowed these criminal actions. The main occupying forces were later removed by the U.S. government and the white southern Democrats threw out the hated Republicans by force and by ballot and this is the cause of the majority of the lingering hatreds in the south. People hated the blacks because their fathers and grandfathers hated the blacks. The ratio between white and black is much higher in the south than anywhere else in the country and might explain my lack of fear and also the grand affection I have for the black race. The vast majority of blacks I knew back home where honorable and intelligent people that worked hard for the little they had.

Every thing I am writing comes pretty much from first hand experience. Can you make the same claim?

Posted by: longbow65 | September 16, 2009 7:54 PM

Thanks to Jimmy Carter for spelling out the Democrat's position on criticizing Obama's policies. The Democrat party has now acknowledged that any criticism of Obama's policies by any non African-American is racist. Carter, however, forgot to include racist remarks by his fellow Democrats. Here are just a few examples of those remarks:

"The Confederate Memorial has had a special place in my life for many years. . . . There were many, many times that I found myself drawn to this deeply inspiring memorial, to contemplate the sacrifices of others, several of whom were my ancestors, whose enormous suffering and collective gallantry are to this day still misunderstood by most Americans."
--James Webb, 1990
Now a Democratic Senator from Virginia

"Everybody likes to go to Geneva. I used to do it for the Law of the Sea conferences and you'd find these potentates from down in Africa, you know, rather than eating each other, they'd just come up and get a good square meal in Geneva."
--Sen. Ernest F. Hollings (D., S.C.) 1993
Chairman, Commerce Committee, 1987-95 and 2001-03
Candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, 1984

"I do not think it is an exaggeration at all to say to my friend from West Virginia [Sen. Robert C. Byrd, a former Ku Klux Klan recruiter] that he would have been a great senator at any moment. . . . He would have been right during the great conflict of civil war in this nation."
--Sen. Christopher Dodd (D., Conn.), 2004
Chairman, Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
Candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, 2008

"You cannot go into a Dunkin' Donuts or a 7-Eleven unless you have a slight Indian accent."
"My state was a slave state. My state is a border state. My state has the eighth largest black population in the country. My state is anything [but] a Northeastern liberal state."
"I mean, you got the first mainstream African American [Barack Obama] who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice looking guy."

"There's less than 1% of the population of Iowa that is African American. There is probably less than 4% or 5% that is, are minorities. What is it in Washington? So look, it goes back to what you start off with, what you're dealing with."
Sen. Joseph Biden Jr., (D., Del.), 2006-07

"In the name of the greatest people that have ever trod this earth, I draw the line in the dust and toss the gauntlet before the feet of tyranny, and I say segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever."
Governor George Wallace, (D., Alabama), 1963

Posted by: Dodgers1 | September 16, 2009 7:34 PM

JeanPaulPierre, How do portraying Pres. Obama "as Hitler, the Joker, a black screen with white eyes" and "refusal to allow the President to speak to the nation’s school children and allegations he was not born in America" prove "that race is central to most of the recent political protest?" I admit that I'm not very bright - certainly not nearly as bright as you - but I simply cannot see the connection.

It's what he is doing that has us bent out of shape, not his race.

Posted by: mwpalmer | September 16, 2009 7:30 PM

From one utterance, Carter renders a 'deep' analysis that is shallow and over-sensitive.
I don't like the British style of shouting down officials, but Carter is fanning the flames. We've elected the man, it's done... Pres. Obama -is- leading this country. Some people are biased... they always will be... we are flawed. Carter is over-concerned, greatly... and this wringing of hands, over-sensitive analysis is not moving us along, when every word has to be parsed for political correctness. I'm not young, but apparently the old guy believes our country is racist, period... I prefer a more optimistic outlook... we're leaving that behind (unless we wring our hands too much). Frustration breeds shallow attacks... and maybe Carter is also a wee bit frustrated.

Posted by: RaDaRR | September 16, 2009 6:55 PM

To the deniers that race is not integral to recent political events, I invite you to consider the posters displayed during town hall meetings and even during Saturday alleged grassroots protest: Obama portrayed as Hitler, the Joker, a black screen with white eyes, refusal to allow the President to speak to the nation’s school children and allegations he was not born in America; what do those things have to do with policy? How much evidence is needed to convince the naysayers that race is central to most of the recent political protest. Unfortunately the Republican lackeys, (right) wing-nuts and political prostitutes have exploited and armed some of the most vulnerable and intellectual servile with vituperative phrases and false allegations (politicians in some instances) and pointed them to the nearest town hall meeting, with instructions to scream, shout and disrupt. Ironically some of the most vocal protesters would benefit greatly under the Obama Healthcare Plan. Finally there is the Colbert King’s piece, “A Dangerous Kind of Hate”, wherein he exposes the prayers of two prominent supposedly Baptist ministers; they are asking God to kill the President- where is the policy issue/disagreement? Those who continue to ascribe the actions of the aforementioned to honest policy differences, I would quote Congressman Frank, “trying to have a conversation with you would be like arguing with a dining room table”.

Posted by: JeanPaulPierre | September 16, 2009 6:37 PM

Cater's absolutely right. Look at the frantic, dishonest response by Fox. Has Roger Ailes racism written all over it.

Posted by: dudh | September 16, 2009 6:29 PM

Carter has to support Obama---Obama may keep him out of the #1 spot for the worst President in US history--and of course Obama won without any votes from whites.

Posted by: VORTREKER | September 16, 2009 5:13 PM

If I disagree with your point of view and we're members of different races that makes me a racist? Well, what does it make you? And in this case, what does it make Obama? Is he not also racist? He disagrees with Wilson, right? Does that not make him, Obama, a racist as well? If not, why not? What if two people who disagree are members of the same race? What is it then? At least as far as Obama is concerned, the only -ism I'm guilty of is just plain old disagree-ism. I guess that makes me a disagreeist.

Now, can we please get back to a real issue and disregard nonsense from ex-presidents who want nothing more than to re-write their extremely poor, weak legacies? Carter is an idiot. I should know, I was one of his [state] constituents.

Posted by: flintston | September 16, 2009 5:12 PM

This "over the hill"-Hick- "nukular physicist" Has not learned that "racist" accusations no longer fly in the political arena. It is encouraging to see that ignorant liberals are so slow to learn.

Posted by: VORTREKER | September 16, 2009 5:01 PM

would we be crying sexism if he had yelled you lie or worse to President Hillary Clinton? why is any negative/stupid behavior directed towards this president called racism when negative/stupid behavior is apparently how Americans engage in political discourse? Again, just want to point out that Clinton was accused of murder by some of these people- it is about stupid discourse, not race.

Posted by: NYClefty | September 16, 2009 4:34 PM

I just can't resist posting just one more quote from Joe Wilson's "Sons of Confederate Veterans" website. I promise this is the last one.

"It was not slavery but the vindictive, intemperate anti-slavery movement that was at the bottom of all the troubles."

It wasn't the slavers who were the problem. It was those against slavery who caused the "Second Revolution", as Joe and his fellow members would call it.

I said in my previous posting that I couldn’t find a reference to black slavery on their website. I was wrong. I just didn’t look hard enough.

This catechism must represent what this organization believes. Otherwise, it would not have been posted on the site absent any commentary.

Please give it a thorough reading. I think you will be shocked.

Posted by: RoyFan | September 16, 2009 3:49 PM

I am truly amazed that Jimmy Carter would make such an irresponsible comment like that. Liberals toss around and use racism as their weapon of choice and you are insuring the downfall of Martin Luther King's dream. We who are protesting against Mr. Obama's socialistic tax and spend programs are decrying the ruination of our values and society and that my friend, has nothing to do with race. Accusing people that do not share your views, of being racist, is nothing but a "cheap shot" which will be rectified after the mid-term congressional elections. Furthermore, we will never wipe out racism in this country until you disband ever group in this country that has a racial term in its name and or its objective and then find jobs for those who profit from racism as an industry. What you liberals who are accusing us of racism are doing is alienating the very people like myself who are trying to end it in the first place. I am getting sick and tired of the petty accusations that you are lodging against white people in general. I would ask you all to rethink your positions and think long and hard before you speak.

Posted by: ROYSTOLL2 | September 16, 2009 3:46 PM

So Joe Wilson was wrong and the President being gracious accepted. So the President is a decent socialist? A kind indoctrinator of children. These arguments don't jibe. Someone is playing fox in the Hen House!

Posted by: minco_007 | September 16, 2009 3:35 PM

Here is the manifesto of the "Sons of Confederate Soldiers". Joe Wilson is a member.

"The preservation of liberty and freedom was the motivating factor in the South's decision to fight the Second American Revolution. The tenacity with which Confederate soldiers fought underscored their belief in the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. These attributes are the underpinning of our democratic society and represent the foundation on which this nation was built."

Notice that there is NO mention of black slavery. This organization believes that enslaving blacks was a right reserved for Southern States. I looked all over the site and I could not find even one reference slavery.

Finally, I just can't let the first line slide. The confederacy fought the war to preserve liberty and freedom? It is sad and discouraging that there are so many people in America who believe this kind of drivel. Karl Marx and George Orwell would be proud.

Posted by: RoyFan | September 16, 2009 3:34 PM

Someone just posted this:
"I love how one person can speak for everyone...What about the remaining 70% -- don't we count"
So, let me get this straight; it's bad to speak for everyone, but it's ok for you to speak for 70% of Americans?

Posted by: jhimmi | September 16, 2009 3:26 PM

I'm sorry when did I speak for everyone. I don't recall saying that 70% said this or that. Asking if the 70% of Americans count is not speaking for them. It's just asking where is our voice. Again jumping off before comprehension has been realized. I was speaking of the media and some of the comments I read saying what Americans want and don't want. For example, Americans don't want higher taxes or Americans don't want a public option. I could go on, but why? I still think you will interpret it your way. It's not enough to just read something. You must also comprehend as well.

Posted by: Gale4ever2002 | September 16, 2009 3:33 PM

Of course Carter is right. Anyone not a mouth breather knows this. Sadly however his comments only add to the glue that holds zionists (Apartheid state of Israel) firmly adhered to the rabid right, the Quimwhig Party. Interesting bedfellows who teamed up to, in the case of BushCo, steal oil and, in the case of the zionists (like Feith and Pearle and Kristol), use american lives and treasure to waste in the defense of the rogue state of middle east hate in attacking 9/11Less Iraq. (Strange bedfellows in that Bush's grandfather was a traitor to america and zionism when he continued to be a nazi banker even after our entry into WWII)

Notice that it is the right which doesn't want to discuss race. But for the worst of these sociopaths (the town holler gun toters ex.) they know in the pit of their stomachs that in a debate they would be forced to take the side of something basically wrong.

We are a somewhat cowardly nation when it comes to truth and any discussion of our failures.

We all just walked away silent after losing in Vietnam. We ignored the angry veterens who now drag their bad hair wives to scream at town halls and march to such as Glenn (magic underwear) Beck's off key tunes.

Posted by: mot2win | September 16, 2009 3:28 PM

Someone just posted this:
"I love how one person can speak for everyone...What about the remaining 70% -- don't we count"
So, let me get this straight; it's bad to speak for everyone, but it's ok for you to speak for 70% of Americans?

Posted by: jhimmi | September 16, 2009 3:26 PM

I love how one person can speak for everyone. I love how the opinions of 30% of this country means Americans don't want something. What about the remaining 70% -- don't we count. It's become an all or nothing, right or left, beginning or end and win or lose. Whatever happened to something instead of nothing, in the middle, a tie. Everything is so black and white. Listen to Carter's entire statement. He did not say that everyone who criticized President Obama was racist. I heard or interpreted that some of the viciousness of the attacks and criticism were racially based, not all. Another example of all or nothing. Read everything. American has become so dumb lately. We take one statement and want to think it means everything. It used to be a time when Americans thought before they spoke or acted. Took the time to do the research instead of flying off the handle. We are so used to being distracted by the little things that we don't see the big picture. People wake up -- this is all a distraction. Don't rely on one source to give you your information. You do the research before you form an opinion. It's too easy to let others tell you what to do or think. Don't believe everything the media tells you because it's all about the spin. 70% of the Americans (who's voice is being lost in all of the hype) we need to be more vigilant in getting our point across instead of standing on the sidelines. Educate the ignorant and challenge those who want to overtalk you when discussing a difference of opinion.

Posted by: Gale4ever2002 | September 16, 2009 3:19 PM

i agree race has so much to do with it. people need to look at the reality of things we are stuck we still look at skin color as much as people want to say we dont its not true everyone does it so of course opinions are going to be influenced upon it.

Posted by: XenaCantu | September 16, 2009 3:16 PM

I hate Jimmy Carter. And not only that, but I hate his wife and his freakish daughter, too. All things Carter repulse me. I realize hate is a strong word that should not be used lightly. But after careful consideration I’ve come to the conclusion that it is the only honest assessment I can make about the man. Like many Americans, particularly we Southerners, I’ve tried to convince myself that while his utter failure as president is without question, Jimmy Carter is a good and decent man who found his true calling as an elder statesman. In part because he is a Southerner, and in part because he is a seemingly devout Christian, many of us have tried to rationalize, compartmentalize if you will, our feelings about Jimmy Carter: President Carter, bad. Ex-president Carter, good and decent. No more. I’ve had all I can stand of this pompous a------ and I will never again qualify my hatred for him. The fact of the matter is, I find him indecent and the complete opposite of a statesman. A statesman is one who shows wisdom, skill, and vision when dealing with public issues. Clearly Jimmy Carter is no statesman.

Liberals always chide conservatives about being morally superior, but I can think of no couple that fancies themselves the moral superiors of the rest of us more than Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. I have noticed this for years. Whenever I see the Carters interact with other first families – like at an inauguration or national day of mourning – their condescension cannot be disguised. Rosalynn appears to be in a continual, lifelong nervous breakdown. This poor woman makes Kitty Dukakis look sane, yet she finds the strength to look down on the scoundrels that surround her at every turn. These two are arrogant and sanctimonious and I have grown weary of their moral superiority show. I don’t know what makes them think they are better than the rest of us. I guess it’s because they have plenty of free time to build crappy looking row houses in neighborhoods whose residents would rather not to see their property values plummet. So excuse me if I don’t get all misty eyed about the house-raising, failed ex-president from Plains when he imparts words of wisdom.

Frankly, I think he needs to spend a little less time telling the rest of us how to behave, think, and feel, and a little more time lusting in his heart. For the only thing that Jimmy Carter hasn’t failed at is sucking. When it comes to sucking, Jimmy Carter has no equal.

Posted by: wah12 | September 16, 2009 3:15 PM

I am not racist. My daugher has has black boyfriends (one I loved, one I couldn't stand), and I like my sister's black husband much bettern than her white ex-husband. I think Wilson's outburst had more to do with Obama's agenda freaking out his (Wilson's) constituents, Obama's young age, and being frustrated by Obama's gift of doublespeak, i.e., saying one thing, doing another, and then somehow making it seem like the two are consistent.

I don't like most of what Obama is doing. I'm against cap and trade, single payer and its progenitor 'government option', huge deficits, high taxes, huge corrupt national labor unions, bailouts, corporatism. The things that I thought he would certainly do, he hasn't done (improve race relations, bring home the troops). The things that I hoped were incidental (Rev. Wright, William Ayers, Acorn), seem to be more indicative of his worldview than his centrist campaign rhetoric would have suggested.

Since I'm not racist, I tend to think others are like me and give them the benefit of the doubt. When I encounter actual racism I call it by its name and reject it, but I have no patience for those who exploit race for political reasons.

Now I'm wondering if people like Jimmy Carter, who see racism everywhere, might not be my polar opposite; they, thinking themselves better than most and especially minorities, think others must feel the same way.

Posted by: jhimmi | September 16, 2009 3:10 PM

Once there was a bus making its way along a hazardous mountain road. It came around a bend and started to gather speed as it descended a long incline. The young driver was quite confident and very capable. He was firmly in control and certain he could manage the speed. But, with the increasing speed, some of the passengers grew nervous. This didn't trouble the driver. Besides, it provided an opportunity for the driver to show his friends and other passengers just how good he was – nothing like the bumbling, previous driver. That driver went off in the wrong direction and so he also wanted to make up for lost time. But as the bus accelerated toward a blind corner, one of the passengers in back called out, “Slow down!” Without hesitation, one of the driver's friends shot back, “You're just saying that because the driver is black – You're racist!”

I'm afraid that I don't know the end of the story, but I can make a fairly good guess.

Posted by: mwpalmer | September 16, 2009 3:05 PM

bicinai, your are a moron. President Barack Obama is the President of the United States of American..Kanye and Swift are musicians..you can't even compare the two..you are a child of reality television, grow up..

Posted by: ruraledcomm | September 16, 2009 3:04 PM

Does Jimmy Carter grasp that President Obama's most vitriolic critics loathe Carter himself with equal or greater intensity?

This is not about race. It is about the proper size and role of government. And yes, emotions are running high, because this is an important debate.

Posted by: VirginiaIndependent | September 16, 2009 2:59 PM

Jimmy Carter says it is racism, everything said against Obama is racism..what about what happened at the MTV awards, Kanye West screaming on stage saying that the award should have been given to Beyonce. Kanye is black, Beyonce is black, the winner: Taylor Swift is white. Is that racism?? Nobody talks about that. If it had been the other way around, what do you think would have happened? Where's the press? It's only racism when it is said to a black person. When it is said and done to a white person it is not racism, what's more, there hasn't been a word said about racism when discussing it. Now it turns out KW was upset and depressed or nervous for some reason.....Yeah sure.

Posted by: bicinai | September 16, 2009 2:57 PM

fr greatgran1:
I find it amazing that they would trot out the worst rated President to comment on racism concerning the next possible candidate for worst President....

N0o, the worst-rated Resident was Dumbya. He ranks right down there with Warren G Harding and Nixon.

>... There is no racism but a serious concern about the direction Obama is taking this country...

Um, WRONG. There's one crackpot "preacher", Steven Anderson, who says he prays for PRESIDENT Obama to die. This so-called "minister" is NOT a graduate of any legal seminary, either. Believe it or not, RACISM is unfortunately still alive in the US. Work to overthrow RACISM, not to elevate it.

I find it amazing that they would trot out the worst rated President to comment on racism concerning the next possible candidate for worst President. There is no racism but a serious concern about the direction Obama is taking this country. We do not like the moves to increase Federal power. If they have no substance, then they throw the race card. How ignorant and backward is that?

Posted by: greatgran1 | September 16, 2009 2:45 PM

I'm from South Carolina. People from outside the South can't really begin to understand the nuances of racism in Southern culture. In South Carolina, educated, white conservatives of the upper class, like Joe Wilson, in particular have a unique brand of racism, which is usually characterized by an intentional segregation from black southerners in any capacity that would imply the two groups are socially equal. Living in the same neighborhoods or eating at the same restaurants is something that just doesn't happen.

I think it's important to understand exactly how Rep. Wilson's outburst was a result of racism. It's not as simple as, "Rep. Wilson believes the President is lying because he is black," or "Rep. Wilson told the President he is lying because Rep. Wilson is a racist." Those are oversimplifications of a complex cultural issue.

Joe Wilson's outburst, the act itself, rather than the words, results from the shattering of his Southern white perspective of racial superiority and entitlement . Joe Wilson would not have felt justified in yelling at a white President. It's even unlikely that he would have acted in a similar way toward another white congressman. It is because President Obama is a black man that Rep. Wilson feels that it is fully within the scope of his social standing to shout him down and essentially call him a liar in front of the entire world. For an upper class southerner, having a black man in a position of authority over you is completely inconceivable.

This isn't the overt, KKK/neo-Nazi racism of 60 minutes and television documentaries. This is a sense of white supremacy that is so firmly ingrained in Southern culture that it's doubtful Mr. Wilson is even aware of it.

Posted by: travis_larimer | September 16, 2009 2:36 PM

Jimmy Carter owes the nation an apology; no, not for the incompetence of his presidency but for slandering us with the toxic charge of racism. He seems to feel that the charge is valid due to the opposition to the federal takeover of health care. Does he not recall the opposition to Clinton-Care?? This plan was to be passed with no debate before the August recess. It boggles the mind that so few Democrats would seek to consult their constituents. The Bill to be foisted on Congress was the product of some very questionable groups (read ACORN,SEIU).

Posted by: buckeye80 | September 16, 2009 2:35 PM

Maybe Carter could explain my animosity towards HIM...a pasty freckled white boy...how about Nancy Pelosi?? Harry Reid?? It is people like Carter who make a discussion impossible. When the pull the race card it is because they have NOTHING else to say....the discussion is OVER...

Posted by: skilmer2909 | September 16, 2009 2:25 PM

I can accept the principle of disagreement. It's a fundamental right, but why bring guns to the party?

Posted by: minco_007 | September 16, 2009 2:19 PM

Carter, you stupid old fool. Just shut up and go away....you're embarrassing yourself again. In case you're delusional and don't realize it, AS PRESIDENT YOU WERE A TOTAL INCOMPETENT AND AS AN EX-PRESIDENT YOU'RE EVEN WORSE. Nobody with even half a clue values your opinion on anything. I wouldn't want financial advice from Bernie Madoff, marriage counseling from B. J. Clinton or John Edwards, or principles of executive leadership from you.

Posted by: gatwell23 | September 16, 2009 2:17 PM

"Hey Jimmy
I voted you out of office even though you were white.
What, now?"

Same here, although I regret to admit that I did help vote you in the first place.

Unfortunately, Mr. Carter, you were an aject failure in office and your rantings have become even more daft over time.

Obviously, Wilson was wrong and he said so and apologized. President Obama showing grace and character accepted it, end of story. Right? Wrong!

Every Tom, Dick and Jimmy has to ascribe Wilson's remark as racist.

Carter lived in a differnt era and can't get past the worn out and overused racism charge against all with who he disagrees.

(To his credit, Carter did do a good at Habitat for Humanity)

Posted by: chicago77 | September 16, 2009 2:16 PM

To ram_xxx_ram: You have some real issues with race and stereotypes.. you need to seek mental help for your diseased mind.

Posted by: VietVet68 | September 16, 2009 2:12 PM

Let's be honest folks. No one knows what the health care costs will be. The only numbers being batted around are government budget numbers. Those numbers are not the cost which you pay in yearly taxes, monthly premiums and pay at the pump when you walk in the office. The true costs have not been revealed yet people are sold on private health insurance. Why?

I remember a couple different Town Hell meetings where death panels were brought up by protesters. Two ladies interviewed said they were given leaflets about death panels by some religious group. I think we have a smoking gun.

Posted by: Beacon2 | September 16, 2009 2:07 PM

There called entreprenuers. You want to be a bum go to Russia and be like everyone else.

Posted by: PRNDY5 | September 16, 2009 2:06 PM

I have found there is no reasoning with Obama sheeple just as their was no getting through the Bush followers. What I find most amuzing though is where were all these oh so rightous people when the Bush haters (& that would include some in the media) called him names ten times worse, depicted him as Hitler, some even wished him dead. Where were these people when he was booed on the Senate floor & repeatedly called "a liar"? Some will say Bush did not earn the respect & that's fine I think the same arguement can be made of Obama. For some he has not earned their respect & that's their opinion, right or wrong we still live in a free thinking society, it is the Dems who are trying to stifle it!

Posted by: cdemar | September 16, 2009 2:06 PM

ram_xxx_ram?
Are you saying that Asian students are significantly much brighter than White students? Jessie Jackson is the guy who wanted to cut off the Presidents family jewels. But Blacks voted overwhelmingly for Obama. Re-read your post:

I graduated for university with a 4.0. I've been a software developer for more than 20 years. The people who call me friend come from different cultures. I've lived in different countries. I speak several languages.

Why are you hanging out in here?

Posted by: minco_007 | September 16, 2009 2:05 PM

“do we want to contiune down this socialist path"
The simple answer is yes.

Lastly, our government was based on a system of checks and balances and separation of powers. Why shouldn't this same principle apply to private citizens as well as governments? Lastly, conservatives don't seem to object to concentrating so much wealth and power in the hands of un-elected private citizens? Why?

Posted by: montana123
=================================

Are you for real?

Posted by: longbow651 | September 16, 2009 2:01 PM

There is a racism problem in this country.
I'm sorry it's called reverse-racism. The only ones that claim racism are the people that can not stand to lose an argument. When others don't agree with them, (ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUR A WHITE MALE) your a hater no matter what. Race, religion or sexual orientation is the trump card. Its like a fire extinguisher break glass and pull it out when needed. Maybe people can just agree to disagree.

Posted by: PRNDY5 | September 16, 2009 1:58 PM

It is funny to watch Acorns try to defend Obama and Carter at the same time. Poor Bustards will do anything for a dwindling buck.
Did they forget that the Democrats walked out on Carter enmasse back in the day?
The worst possible advocate for Obama is Bush or Carter. In the past two weeks both have given Obama their KUDO's

By the way, the Texas schools who didn't let Obama speech fly, refused to let Bush speak there eeither last week.

Smart teachers.

Posted by: dottydo | September 16, 2009 1:55 PM

Racism is abhorrent - we need to stamp it out!

But Carter gives absolutely no premise or rationale as to why disagreeing with costly socialist policies is racist. This constant charge by the left of racism any time any one disagrees with Obama and his administration is going to backfire. It will set race relations back decades.

We have the right to oppose policies, especially those that affects us. We have the right to call liars liars. We have the right to protect our rights and constitution. In fact we are charged in the constitution to defend against tyranny. And people across the political spectrum now see that the likes of Obama, Pelosi, Reid and Frank are hijacking our country and taking it down the dangerous path of socialism, mediocracy and entitlement and demonizing successful, productive citizens that oppose their views. Crying racism is just a ruse to deflect attention away from the tyranny that escalating!

Posted by: Chamaco | September 16, 2009 1:51 PM

There is something funny and ultimately tragic about a gaggle of haters, slanderers, scumbags and slimers who exclusively argue in ad hominems screeching that they are NOT racists, that anyone who CALLS them racists is a racist, and that they ALONE can make subtle and "ethical" distinctions in their unrelenting vitriol: we don't hate because you're "n*****s", we hate because we hate all "l*****s."

Not much distinction between the "N" word and the "L" word, is there? Not much difference in action, word, deed.

Never mind that they have broken the fundamental covenant of our Constitution: the agreement to abide by the legitimate results of elections; the agreement that reasonable men can disagree reasonably -- without being disagreeable. (INTENSELY and malevolently disagreeable.)

Never mind that the ugliest sentiments of the diseased mind have substituted for policy debate for three decades now.

No: you've hurt the feelings of the haters who only listen to talkers who only debate in unfair fora, who always win their one-sided debates, and who will even slander family members and friends who dare to disagree with their misanthropic "My way or the highway" agendas.

Former President Carter is not now, never was, or never will be IGNORANT! The irrational voices on the Right are doing Democracy an injustice. It is hard to elevate the debate above school yard name calling.

Posted by: minco_007 | September 16, 2009 1:47 PM

October10S

1. Go to any GOP political rally.

2. Count the the people of color in attendance

==================

Blacks vote 90% plus democrat. I guess you are the only ones who are NOT racist.

I know you like to say Jesse and Al are not your leaders, but you follow them lock step.

Democrats/liberals will happily take away scholarships and university seats from Asian students and give them to less qualified black students.

GOP just want to treat you equally. You, however, are too lazy compete equally and require a special handicap...therefore you beg and whine to white liberals for their pity and welfare.

Posted by: ram_xxx_ram | September 16, 2009 10:55 AM
_________________________
ram_xxx_ram: If this was your attempt to prove that the right wing is not racist, you failed miserably. In fact, you make the left's point to a tee. I deeply pity you. Not only are you a hate-filled, backward, racist bigot, you are also too stupid to realize it. Go back to your trailer park. So very sad.

===============================
===============================

If I'm hate-filled racist bigot then I got that way listening to African-Americans the past couple of decades.

I don't fit the model of your typical hate-filled racist bigot either. I'm a white male. My wife is Chinese. My ex-wife is a black hispanic, and we have a daughter. I graduated for university with a 4.0. I've been a software developer for more than 20 years. The people who call me friend come from different cultures. I've lived in different countries. I speak several languages.

In California and Texas they banned affirmative action. The result was the Asian poplulation increased 20% at those universities. The white student population remained the same.

When you liberals take away a place from significantly more qualified Asian (who worked harder to earn his place) to a much less qualified black person WHAT is the difference to the Asian student if he was robbed his place for hate or as some liberal experiment? He was still racially discriminated against. He was still a victim of (reverse) racism. He was the wrong color for the times.

Go ahead and explain my ignorance again.

Posted by: ram_xxx_ram | September 16, 2009 1:46 PM

I think some of the posters here have to listen to the video.

He did NOT say that Joe Wilson's statement was based in racism.

He was talking about the right-wing, tea baggers in general, and even then not all of them.

No reasonable person could look at some of those signs carried in that puny rally, or listen to some of the people shown on the news, and conclude anything other than that they based in racial hatred.

Posted by: theRealCalGal | September 16, 2009 1:45 PM

If all this were not so serious it would be hilareous....used to be those worthless nocount blacks....now that we have a black president ... it's those illegal mexicans..gonna get some of this fat whitecat's money...look at what the repub's have done ....there's nothing left but their fallout, billions of dollars in debt the country coming apart at the seams and here our black president is trying to piece back together the mess the repubs created and they want to try to cockblock him at every turn.....what at trip..God help us

Posted by: donnaj2 | September 16, 2009 1:44 PM

The truth in the following statement is the liberal Democrats and those passing affirmative action legislation believe the African-American race is inferior to the competing whites.
Posted by: longbow65 | September 15, 2009 10:20 PM

Catmomtx wrote;
This statement right here should tell people everything they need to know. Considering the treatment towards our President and the First lady which has been unprecedented but you people continue to deny what is right in front of your face.
=============================

My statement seems obvious to me given the facts to work with and not being burdened with a politically correct blinders to keep me herded with the followers.

I have no intention of hurting anyone’s feelings, but when people take on the responsibilities of my country, they must endure public scrutiny. That may mean answering the tough questions with honesty but those that ask the questions are called racist and the important questions are called frivolous and side stepped for convenience.

The good news is that the word racist must be redefined to mean those that oppose the obvious agenda and politics of a individual in power that is attempting to realign it’s government to socialism or communism if he happens to be black.

The First Lady hated living in the United States until her husband was elected President. Then all things changed.
==============================

To Longbow:
Thank you.
I will, and have been. This will never be a socialist country. I'm content in that fact.
Posted by: ctwallace73
===============================

You are indeed the reason there is so much dissention between the citizens. You simply accept without question so you get what you deserve. Those that do not stand for something will fall for anything.

The truth is just starting to come to the surface and it will not get any prettier as we learn more about the ObamaNation.

Posted by: longbow651 | September 16, 2009 1:42 PM

This intolerant element has been using overtly racist attacks on Obama long before the American elected him President. They've compared him and his wife to primates, shouted the N-word at rallies, and even said outright that they wouldn't vote for a black man. Rep. Wilson comes from the state that brought us Bob Jones University, remember?

Carter has plainly stated the obvious truth and deserves praise for doing so.

Posted by: sobugged1 | September 16, 2009 1:42 PM

Carter has really fallen off his rocker on this one. I (& I think I speak for many)am beyond disgusted with the way the Dems have been tossing out the race card id one even looks at Obama in the wrong way. It's at the point now where it has been so overplayed that it is now just causing people to shake their heads & think "here we go again" When all as fails, play the only thing left.

Posted by: cdemar | September 16, 2009 1:39 PM

The biggest lie ever told was that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction and there was a pending Mushroom cloud waiting to determine America's fate. We went from surplus to Trillion dollar deficit and not one Tea Party or Guns.

Posted by: minco_007 | September 16, 2009 1:38 PM

Jimmy Carter has been hailed by political Historians, and former Whitehouse officials who served with him as being the most intelligent and intellectual president of our time. Their account of his Presidency provides insight to the fact that he was one of the hardest working and most considerate, inclusive, presidents they had ever worked with. He also has one of the highest IQ’s which was never publicized or acknowledged.

President Carter got blasted for thinking that balancing the Federal Budget was a good thing and trying to actually do it. (Conservatives objected and fought him… read your history books. They call themselves Conservatives, trying to hold back spending, while objecting to having a balanced budget….go figure.) He tried to implement Health Care reforms and got blasted for it. .. and, tried to implement many of the same regulations and reforms to protect the middle class that are under consideration today by the current administration, and which are absolutely in the public interest, and long overdue. Conservatives expressed extreme outrage during his Presidency, not because he was not a good President, but over their objections to these desperately needed programs. This is nothing new… it is just that we have a “black” president now who is trying to do the right thing for the American people, and there is so much racial hatred out there that they can’t take it out of the argument for or against these critical programs.

President Carter was a good man whose only fault was to allow dissenting voices to speak louder than his intellectual voice. It’s unfortunate that many thought he was weak and blasted him as being inept because of a hostage crisis that took time to resolve, and for which he wasn’t given proper credit. The release was negotiated during Carter’s Presidency; however credit was given to Ronald Reagan because the actual release occurred within the first few weeks of his presidency, which we all know was a political tactic to credit Reagan. (This incident had nothing to do with Mr. Carter’s Presidential policies or achievements, but was used to defame his character, I believe, by those who looked for any reason to belittle him.)

President Carter has never been a racist and has worked for equality his whole life, and having lived his life in the South, he knew the extent of it and did all he could to alleviate it. His comments regarding race in this interview are indicative of his fight against racism and equality for all. Maybe we need to publicize more of these discussions to get the hate and animosity out in the public venue where it can be hashed, digested, and expelled from our society.

Maybe we need more Kanye’s to make a public “a$$e$” out of themselves so that we can expel this disease from society entirely. By: StarStruk

Posted by: ereynolds005 | September 16, 2009 1:36 PM

Jimmy Carter is just as ignorant now as he was in 1973...

George Soros (Hungarian Multi-billionaire who happens to hate America and finances MoveOn.org) was brilliant in shuttling in Obama with his own money - first to the U.S. Senate then the presidency, with literally no experience other than community organizing, lawyer for ACORN and history in the Senate for voting “present”.

Soros knew for purely historical reasons and with America’s waning support for two wars – Obama was a shoe in for Independent voters. The other calculating fact was - no one, especially if you are white, would be able to dissent for fear of being labeled a racist.

Brilliant indeed Mr. Soros… With the undermining of the British pound already under his belt- America is next on George Soros’ list and he has his puppet right where he needs him.

Obama, obviously a likable man – is puppet to George Soros (White), Rahm (White), Axelrod (White) Pelosi (White), Reid (W) , Harkin (W), Durbin (W), Frank (W), – Now proposing a bill that would triple the debt in 10 years - the reason people are marching in Washington are because they don’t like where their country is being taken. To claim “racism” shows the far-left and this administration are in a final act of desperation.

Maybe even sooner than Soros thought…

Posted by: seawolfR | September 16, 2009 1:32 PM

For Peanut-Head Carter to spout anti-racist verbiage ignores his own very obvious anti-semitism. To berate the Israelis for killing "Palestinian militia" members/supporters/organizers/murderers (and never even mention the thousands of Palestinian-launched missiles/mortars they'd showered on Israeli civilians for 4-5 years) shows us how he truly feels about a segment of the world's populace that doesn't believe in Jimmy Earl's "Jesus-is-God" mantra. Jesus physically evicted the usurious money-lenders from the synogogue; and he didn't "turn the other cheek"--he'd also fight, in the name of "self-defense". Jesus wasn't a fool; Carter is. He was a lousy president, especially regarding the American hostages in Tehran--virtually handing the presidency to a movie-star/clown whose obedient Republican-osaurs credit him with bringing down the Soviet Union (when it was Gorbachev who really knew what was going on in the USSR, and did what had to be done). The SINGLE positive act Carter did for the American people was to tie Social Security payments to inflation. Confiscate Jimmy Earl Carter's passport: he's a worthless, self-appointed spokesman for anti-semitism.

Posted by: marc85 | September 16, 2009 1:32 PM

Joe Wilson was a member of the James Younger Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a radical neo-Confederate group favoring secession and defending slavery. He also wants to keep the Confederate flag waving above South Carolina’s state Capitol. But he's not a racist. LOL!

Posted by: muslit | September 16, 2009 1:32 PM

Clinton was treated pretty horrendously as president, accused of murder(Foster), espionage (Brown), all types of financial misdealings (proven to have no evidence), and more- it's not about racism, it's about the extremely stupid level of discourse in this country. We don't discuss issues, we embrace platitudes and idealize or demonize individuals.

The talk of racism for cases where there is no real evidence of it being directly the case is in essence "crying wolf" and discredits when racism really occurs. Additionally, for a "post racial" country, we are awfully focused on the race of the president who is 1/2 African genetically, raised in Hawaii by his european-american mother and grandparents and in Indonesia by a stepfather. Race was injected into the primaries to call the Clintons racist against all evidence to the contrary (is fairytale really a racial word?)

I'm tired of Carter interjecting his opinions when not asked. I don't understand liberals backing a guy who shot down health insurance efforts when we had the opportunity to have a system more than a generation ago and started the deregulation we saw grow in the 1980s.

I'm still waiting for an intellegent discussion of issues and/or race in this country.

Posted by: NYClefty | September 16, 2009 1:31 PM

thank you President Carter. It really does take someone who grew up in the South to both recognize racist superiority perpetrating to be opposition and speak out against it. Just like the U.N. report finally released about Isreal's massacre of civilians in Gaza.

Posted by: angriestdogintheworld | September 16, 2009 1:30 PM

another reason the cry of racism is becoming a joke.

"they hate obama because he's black."
so obama is not tough enough to be challenged on issues so you have to dumb it down to COLOR????

HA!
_________________________

Typical wingnut response-- particularly the clever "HA!" Note that only a bigot would find racism a joke.

No amount of dumbing down will work with wing nuts. They're not mentally capable of understanding the president's responses.

Case closed.

Posted by: educated2 | September 16, 2009 1:28 PM

I have a great deal of respect for former President Carter and his humanitarian efforts throughout his life which have made a difference in thousands of lives. However, as a fellow Southerner, I respectfully disagree with Mr. Carter's characterization of Mr. Wilson's comment as being "...based in racism." Based on the comment alone, there can be no logical conclusion that Mr. Wilson's comment was based in racism any more than, based upon a single video, can one conclude that a white child being beaten on a school bus by another black child is based in racism. Additionally, as someone currently living in Alabama, I can tell you that I have not heard one person criticize President based on his race but only based on many of his policies that he is attempting to implement. With all due respect to Mr. Carter, I believe I'm probably closer to the "regular folks" in the South more so than Mr. Carter and, based on my observation, racism is not the basis for the opposition to President Obama's policies.

Posted by: MyObservation | September 16, 2009 1:26 PM

vksaeed: You may be the child of immigrants, but you obviously have no clue about the racial history of this country. You are also profoundly ignorant about the motivations of the people in your party. I find it just astonishing that you would rather criticize the left for calling out wing-nuts for what they are, than to criticize the crazies on your side of the fence for calling Obama a Nazi, fascist, muslim, disciple of Rev. Wright (who is Christian by the way), grandpa killer etc . . . I take it from your name you're South Asian or Middle Eastern. A word to the wise. You aren't white. You aren't really on their team, no matter what they tell you. Don't get too comfortable over there. You're just as brown as the rest of the "immigrants" they deeply hate. Pick your friends more carefully.

Posted by: October10S | September 16, 2009 1:25 PM

Jimmy Carter is a jackass.

Posted by: gorams1 | September 16, 2009 1:25 PM

Amen, President Carter. Amen. You are the conscience of this country and the most Christian president in my memory (which goes back to Eisenhower).

Posted by: theRealCalGal | September 16, 2009 1:25 PM

I question whether or not the majority of Americans see Obama as a black man. A strong argument can be made that in terms of family and life experiences he is more white than black. Accordingly, I believe the Democrats' race card is becoming very tattered and worn around the edges.

Posted by: w_stricklin | September 16, 2009 1:23 PM

You're white, Jimmy, but I've gotta tell 'ya, you were a lousy president and you are an even worse statesman.

Posted by: JAH3 | September 16, 2009 1:23 PM

Carter represents no one's views but his own.
If he is a buffoon racist towards Obama,then he is one, not everyone else.

People don't like Obama for a plethra of NO Confidence reasons.

1 in every 8 is unemployed, while Goldman Sachs raised it's bonuses of millions to billions under bailouts with our money. 99.99% of this Country said not to do it , but they were not represented or listened to.
Hence, the multi-racial, all party affiliation, TEA PARTY REVOLT happened.

Carter shouldn't try to be important. He isn't speaking for anyone but himself.

Posted by: dottydo | September 16, 2009 1:20 PM

My brother is a Republican, I am a Democrat. When he voted for Bush and I for Kerry, he remarked that I'd voted for a wimp. This election, he simply said "Race Traitor", he hasn't spoken to me since. I wonder how many of you agree with him. Obama is a black man and that is a major problem for some people, they can't stand the thought of a n--- telling them how the country is going to be. Not everyone who disagrees with the President cares about his color, but enough do and they are making the rest of you look bad.
If I were a Republican, I'd be mad as hell that so many in my party were being incited to spew this hatred- maybe Rush is really a democrat and his ulterior motive is to make Republicans all appear like stark raving, racist lunatics!?!

Posted by: lorilynn | September 16, 2009 1:18 PM

What President Carter said was correct.
If not all, most of the opposition to President Obama’s agenda is initiated by Rightist and people who call themselves “conservative”.
Also most of them are the one who are “Pro-Life” and say they have great respect for unborn life. They also say that life is sacred and should be protected. They also believe in Charity and non-governmental organizations to do the job of the government, from social affairs to church works, schools, etc.
What make the new protests against Obama, health care reform and public option special is rooted in two factors.
1- Opposition to Obama because the conservatives practice what Rush Limbaugh is preaching them to do (hoping Obama fails, because first he is black and second he is democrat)
2- Self interest.

I do not see any problem with the second factor except that all of these people who are opposing the public option and reform of the health care are the ones who pretend to be pro-life, God-fearing people and also church goers. We have over 40 million Americans without health insurance. Well if they are what they say they are, they should be ready to help our 40 million fellow Americans who cannot buy health insurance. Is it that important if I pay few extra dollars to share the cost of the health care reform?
What happened to devotion to life? Are these 40 million people are not alive or not important? They do not have right to health coverage?
Most conservatives closed their eyes on billions of dollars that George W. Bush wasted in Iraq, but are opposing this government to spend it on Americans.
What a dual standard! What a hypocrisy!

Posted by: nader_hozhabri | September 16, 2009 1:18 PM

Dear President Carter,
I am not a racist because I oppose a person's policies. I am just an opponent to those policies. I disagree with President Omama's health care policies. I think he lies because he doesn't tell the whohle truth. He tends to omit critical details like costs to the American people. He lies about coverage. He lies about bribes from lawyers, insurance companies, the hospital industry,and unions. Since I live in a democracy, it is my absolute duty to oppose President Obama in every way. That makes me a patriot, not a racist. I am sure Mr. Obama is a great guy, and I would love to share a beer with him. As for Mr. Carter, please sir, go back to retirement.

Posted by: iamafg | September 16, 2009 1:18 PM

1. Go to any GOP political rally.

2. Count the the people of color in attendance

==================

Blacks vote 90% plus democrat. I guess you are the only ones who are NOT racist.

I know you like to say Jesse and Al are not your leaders, but you follow them lock step.

Democrats/liberals will happily take away scholarships and university seats from Asian students and give them to less qualified black students.

GOP just want to treat you equally. You, however, are too lazy compete equally and require a special handicap...therefore you beg and whine to white liberals for their pity and welfare.

Posted by: ram_xxx_ram | September 16, 2009 10:55 AM
_________________________
ram_xxx_ram: If this was your attempt to prove that the right wing is not racist, you failed miserably. In fact, you make the left's point to a tee. I deeply pity you. Not only are you a hate-filled, backward, racist bigot, you are also too stupid to realize it. Go back to your trailer park. So very sad.

Posted by: October10S | September 16, 2009 1:16 PM

Wing nuts also hate spell check.

Posted by: educated2 | September 16, 2009 1:15 PM

Like President Carter, I'm a southerner. There's an unconscious racism that many white southerners practice. It's been handed down for generations. I suspect that many black people have grown up learning to ignore it. Nevertheless, it is there. Frankly, the people who scare me most are the ones who say they definitely aren't racists, because that may mean they just haven't checked themselves lately.

Posted by: jlhare1 | September 16, 2009 1:15 PM

I think President Carter is absolutely right in his opinions, not to say all those who are against President Obama are racists. Some are against Obama because of his plans to reform Healthcare & the finacial institutions, which would create transparency and accountability. I do think the level of hate,vitriol and anger being displayed by the "I want my country back" mob, "the Obama is a foreigner and therefore is not legally President" crackpots are surely the part of the GOP that cannot accept that the USA has a Black President. Racism is still alive and well in America, but thankfully only in the minds of a bigoted few.

Posted by: wave06 | September 16, 2009 1:13 PM

Carter is an irrelevant old, has-been who should not be permitted to enter into the public discourse. He was irrelevant when he was President and is even more so now. Citizens of this great country are objecting to this president's handling of our economy, our defense systems, our relationships with the rest of the world. It seems that Obama is a totally incompetent leader. That is what the folks are objecting to. Not his color or his etnic background.....HIS INCOMPETANCE!

Posted by: inowat | September 16, 2009 1:11 PM

Robert at 12:56PM....How dare you insult President Carter....he and his wife have spent their whole life being of service to this great country....they have worked very hard saving the wetlands in Alaska...they have labored endlessly for Habitat for Humanity....What have you done lately?? but run down someone that is and has worked diligently for America..

Posted by: donnaj2 | September 16, 2009 1:11 PM

The right wing nuts and haters say the same thing over and over. The plain truth is that they hate Obama because he is black.

Posted by: educated2 | September 16, 2009 1:03 PM

========================
another reason the cry of racism is becoming a joke.

"they hate obama because he's black."
so obama is not tough enough to be challenged on issues so you have to dumb it down to COLOR????

HA!

Posted by: ChooseBestCandidate | September 16, 2009 1:10 PM

After listening to more drivel from Jimmy Carter, it occurred to me, for what it's worth: I'm actually smarter than this man!

Whoa! And he got elected?!?!

Posted by: jloiacon | September 16, 2009 1:08 PM

This Nation would be a better and stronger institution had Jimmy stayed in the peanut patch along with his brother Billy.

Posted by: w_stricklin | September 16, 2009 1:08 PM

To the comment that someone is tired of Fox and Limbaugh. GOOD. I'm glad you know what it feels like for us to watch ABC, CBS and NBC (not to mention TBS, CNN and the rest of the left sided television stations). We only have one channel, you have 15, get over it. My question to you is why do you hate the truth? Is it because, just as Carter uses racism to pull a smoke screen on the true issues, you believe America should take care of everyone? All these hard working people should pay for people that don't want to work, that skirt the system, that are illegally here? Sure we should care for the poor but we just spend $700B and now you want another $800B. Maybe you should pay for it. Why don't you go get Michael Moore and the rest of your Hollywierd goons to pay for it, they're rich, worth billions, I don't see them giving any more than a token of all their money. Why would we believe the Dems when their poster children don't dig deep into their own pockets?

Posted by: cybergizmo | September 16, 2009 1:07 PM

The far left wing of the Democrats have made a shameful and hypocritical art of using 'racist, xenophobic, greedy, evil monger, etc etc' whenever, as they often do, lose an intellectual arguement.When all else fails, and you just deeply hate your opposition, throw every mean spiritied label you can, that's the shameless liberals.

Falsely accusing one of murder or rape is a crime, as should be accusing one of racism or any other inflammatory and inciteful label the left uses regularly.

Only 6% of Americans disapproved of Obama on inauguration day, meaning democrats, independents, and republicans were rooting for him, regardless of whether they voted for him or not.Now that number is over 40% for disapproval - did many of us just wake up 7 months later and become racists? Did we look into the depths of our soul, or better yet tune in our flat screens better and realize, "Oh he's African-American, didn't notice that before - oh, I don't like him now!" Nothing to do with the far jump to the left in policies, extraordinary spending, an aggressive no discussion approach to trying to pass health care, a no discussion cap and trade bill etc etc??

No, if you disagree with Obama, than you are a racist. Period.

There is outsized rhetoric on both sides, but no group like the fringe left uses it as broadly and shamelessly.In this great nation of all, an African-American President, 10s of millions of immigrants like my parents, the most diverse, progressive, and succesful nation in human history, and this is how they behave?? They are disgusting.

Was it racism to be against Colin Powell, Condeelza Rice, or Michael Steele? Ah, no -- they were African-American but in the 'wrong' party, so clearly they were "SELL OUTS!!" or "Uncle Toms" - disgusting and pitiful.

Just label someone, that's all you have to do.There is no personal responsibility, integrity, decency, or true intelligence left over there - just infinite ingratitude for America, shameless entitlement, inflammatory rhetoric, and mindless hand wringing.

I'm non-white, I could use the Democrats tactics - unfortunately as the son of immigrants, I know how great, diverse, and decent this nation is, something the spineless and pitiful far left will never know.

Posted by: vksaeed | September 16, 2009 1:05 PM

poor, poor Carter.
habitat for humanity still is a good thing but i fear he will be remembered more as a just another wimp who didnt have the guts to stand up and be quiet or stand up and speak truth.

CARTER LIED!!!
all to please obama?
what a joke indeed.

Posted by: ChooseBestCandidate | September 16, 2009 1:05 PM

I hope you all realize that this is a strategy, bought and paid for. There needs to be only one person behind this. It doesn't take much for the useful idiots to take to the streets.

No matter what Obama does, there seems to be oddly strong objection. We know from Ralph Reed that activation of groups is part of the play book, ultimately bringing no benefit to the groups activated. We know from Abramoff that there are many convoluted ways of moving money and reasons for moving money.

As far as the Republicans are concerned, if you got the money, honey, we got the time, but we don't control off-balance sheet groups. There is a lot of immediate pressure to bomb Iran right now. The same kind of pressure that got us into Iraq. It's a crazy world out there, anything is possible. Follow the money.

From 44

"Reed would know. It was in South Carolina that he and other Christian conservatives succeeded in mounting a furious effort on behalf of George W. Bush eight years ago to defeat McCain."

"Eight years ago, McCain's campaign was undone by an anonymous and scurrilous campaign in South Carolina, conducted through leaflets, e-mail, and telephone push polls, that spread a false rumors about McCain and his family. Among the most damaging to the candidate was the claim that one of his children, adopted from Bangladesh, was an illegitimate child he fathered with a black woman. That e-mail claim was subsequently traced back to a professor at Bob Jones University.

Who exactly was behind the 2000 smear? "That's the $64,000 question. We spent a lot of time trying to figure that out," said Walker. This week, the McCain campaign in South Carolina announced it has created a truth squad there "to counter any negative or misleading attacks" targeted at McCain. " Sounds familiar.

Posted by: Beacon2 | September 16, 2009 1:04 PM

The right wing nuts and haters say the same thing over and over. The plain truth is that they hate Obama because he is black.

Posted by: educated2 | September 16, 2009 1:03 PM

So, Jimmy Carter is an idiot and Barack Obama is a narcissist. The former is a nuclear physicist (not just a peanut farmer) and the latter is a Harvard-educated lawyer and Constitutional law professor. Who are you, Sparky. Hope you sell a lot of fries today.

Posted by: sammyp1047 | September 16, 2009 1:02 PM

If all those folks gathered in DC this weekend were worried about deficits they would have protested during the Reagan administration and during the GWB administration when the deficits balloned. If they were worried about the constitution they would have called for impeachment for the Iran-Contra scandal and screamed loudly against the misnamed Patriot Act. If those folks were worried about illegal aliens being given benefits and amnesty they would have been on the war path against Ronald Reagan. Racism pure and simple. One of the three organizers of the march did everything he could to pass the Patriot Act and raise the deficit, Dick Armey. One of the organizers just went into a rant about the President being an muslim. Bigots never think they are bigots.

Posted by: merrylees | September 16, 2009 1:01 PM

1. where was carter' voice when obama camp accussed bill clinton of being a racist?

2. where is obama's ledership in shutting down all this trivial raising of the race card at the drop of a hat? does obama really want to achieve his accomplishments by accusing othersof being racist?

3. wasnt this campaign strategy of obama to answer every opposition with the claim of racisM?

4. why dint obama come out and shut down the democrats who wanted Wilson punished. obama accepted the immediate apology so why wsnt that enough?

5. WILL OBAMA APOLOGIZE FOR CALLING PALIN A LIAR IN A PREPARED SPEECH, IN WHICH IT WAS PLANNED TO CALL HER A LIAR? and how does this compare with a passionate outburst?

6. WHERE IS THE ABILITY TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER? AND WHY IS THIS NASTY 1960S mentality re-surfacing?

if we wer still in the 1960s obama wouldnt be in the oval office.

Posted by: ChooseBestCandidate | September 16, 2009 1:00 PM

With respect to Joe Wilson of South Carolina, his hateful face and curled mouth is reminiscent of those, who heckled Jackie Robinson, it reminds one of George Wallace, Governor Fabus and others of that era. Today you can hear the Joe Wilsons, this country still has a lot of them, 24/7 on THUG RADIO/TV. That face was not one of civil dissent. Rather, it was one of serial virulent racial animus. We have seen it enough to recognize it on sight. Jack Johnson, Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson, Hank Aaron, and Martin Luther King Jr. to name just a few, were all on the receiving end of that Joe Wilson facial expression of deeply ingrained serial animus. Starting with Richard Nixon, the Joe Wilsons found a place of refuge in the Republican Party, the party of Lincoln (?). The further removed South Africa gets from the days of apartheid, the closer the GOP gets to P.W. Botha. Listen to their talk shows. They sound like South Africa circa 1965.

Posted by: vmonroe_valnesio | September 16, 2009 12:57 PM

If the Dummycrats can't refute the opposition on its merits, just go for the race card. When all of them called George Bush every name in the book was it racially motivated? Seems to me that the Dems have this one cudgel that they are going to wield to try and silence everyone who disagrees with the direction that this administration is taking our country.

I remember when Carter's church voted to not allow Blacks to worship at his church. Oh, yes, Carter went along with it. So much for his unbiased opinions

Carter was the one who in 1976 turned me into a Republican. Haven't voted for a Dummycrat since. Probably never will.

Thanks, Jimmy.

Posted by: marine2211 | September 16, 2009 12:57 PM

Carter just never stops being the worst president in US history.

Posted by: to_robert | September 16, 2009 12:56 PM

Carter is an idiot! He should stick to growing peanuts.

Posted by: jpalexva | September 16, 2009 12:56 PM

What President Carter said is so true, it is so obvious and plain to see. There are white folks in this country that can't stand the fact a black man is in the White House, and they'll do anything to discredit and embarrass him. But God is on a mission, and all the racist bigots in this country better take heed and shut up, because President Obama will not be the only one.

Posted by: WilliamConway | September 16, 2009 12:56 PM

Jimmy Carter is flat wrong. Opposition to President Obama has come from our President's misunderstanding of the American people. We DO NOT WANT ANY MORE TAXES! Enough is enough. It's his policies and strategy, not the color of Obama's skin. This is just a way for Democrats to divert the attention from the real issues. I'm disappointed that President Carter said this. He is the only President that I have personally met and I thought more of him than this.

Posted by: victor615 | September 16, 2009 12:50 PM

Carter has been playing the race card for his entire political career. I remember in 1980 when Jimmy Carter's Secretary of HUD, Patricia Roberts Harris, said that "everytime I hear Ronald Reagan speak I see the specter of the KKK." Carter did not rebuke her. Instead, Carter continued to let his campaign surrogates attack Reagan (and by implication his supporters) as racist. Carter has been playing the race card all his political life. It's too bad that at this late stage, he still can't grasp that some people just don't like liberal politicians. I think another factor here is that Carter sees in Obama a parallel to his own career -- a one-term wonder in the making. This makes Carter inclined to defend Obama. Just as Carter won his race because he was the antithesis of Nixon and Ford, Obama won because he was the antithesis of Bush/Cheney. Neither man had a positive mandate of their own making, but were elected in a negative reaction against what had gone before. And neither man ever really understood that political dynamic, and how it imposed limits on their presidency.

Posted by: JohnRobertsFreeingTibet | September 16, 2009 12:47 PM

President Carter has it completely right.

Posted by: sentheru1 | September 16, 2009 12:47 PM

Michael Steele on Wednesday called for a direct response from the president to Carter's remarks, accusing Democrats of "playing the race card ... from the bottom of the deck."
-----
This from a man who sat by silently while Ehrlich played the race card in PG county during his losing election bid. Alas, Uncle Tom lives in the 21st century.

Posted by: shhhhh | September 16, 2009 12:45 PM

"do we want to contiune down this socialist path"

The simple answer is yes. We need a counter balance ot the wealth and influence of the ruling oligarchs of this country.

Never has so much wealth been concentrated in so few hands in American history. The top 1% have control about 22% of the entire net worth of the U.S. and top 20% own about 80%.

The U.S. is not a democracy anymore but an aristocracy.

Lastly, our government was based on a system of checks and balances and separation of powers.

Why shouldn't this same principle apply to private citizens as well as governments?

Lastly, conservatives don't seem to object to concentrating so much wealth and power in the hands of un-elected private citizens?

Why?

Posted by: montana123 | September 16, 2009 12:42 PM

Carter did not call the republicans racists or suggest that opposition to the Obama health care is racist. He said that some of the extreme attacks and their mean spirited tones are inspired by a residual racism against a black man being in the White House. This doesn't have to be a large group. Anyone who thinks that racism is dead is a fool or blind. Fortunately it has waned substantially in recent years and my children haven't had to see what I saw in the sixties on television news reports. But there will always be those who cling to their prejudice to convince themselves of their own superiority. It may be as small as a few percent of the population but they are vocal and driven and they have found a home in the far right wing of the republican party. When a congressman panders to that extremism, he's encouraging this group even though he would never support or even tolerate them if he were face to face with them. The only thing that will disappoint the racist fringe is a civil and respectful discussion of the issues and an agreement that the other side may be wrong but they may also believe in doing what they genuinely believe is best for the country. God, how I miss the days when Everett Dirkson and Lyndon Johnson could battle tooth and nail on the Senate floor and still respect each other enough to produce legislation that made America a better place for us all John Moore

Posted by: jhmcddam | September 16, 2009 12:40 PM

I cannot recall Jimmie Carter condemning those of the left who compared President Bush to Hitler.

I cannot recall Jimmie Carter demanding that those in Congress who booed President Bush when he addressed the American people.

Many of us who are concerned about sky rocketing deficits, potential higher taxes, inflation and the bailout of GM and Chrysler have not a racist thought in our bodies but are rather concerned about the future of this country.

Jimmie Carter I always thought to be a thoroughly decent person but a complete failure as the President of the United States.

Now I doubt that belief!

Posted by: mwhoke | September 16, 2009 12:40 PM

I just dont see the point in making sweeping statements on people's subejctive intent when there's plenty of legitimate opposition to be discussed. It's probably more comfortable Carter to dismiss those who oppose his political ideology, which Obama largely embodies, and he has a history of making controversial statements anyway.

still, if you are going to take on this issue, I think you need to be a little more specific in the language you use. otherwise you are just engaging in bomb throwing.

what's a/the "racism inclination"? I dont know what that is, but it doesnt sound good.

and what does "overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity" refer to? is he talking about an overwhelming portion of the people who feel animosity towards obama? or he talking about an overwhelming portion of the animosity within each person who feel animosity?

he is so unclear in the allegations he is making, its impossible to even assess the accuracy of what he is saying.

Posted by: dummypants | September 16, 2009 12:37 PM

Obviously, just because a person dislikes the President or his policies doesn't make that person a racist. Nonetheless, it's time to call out the Republican Party, Fox News, Glen Beck, Rush Limbaugh and the whole right wing establishment out for their thinly veiled race baiting.

If they think it's legitimate to promote events and people who call the democratically elected President of the United States of America, Hitler, Stalin, a communist who pals around with terrorists, seeking to kill your grandmother and indoctrinate your children with his socialist agenda, why is it over the top and beyond the pale when someone says that "some" of you are motivated by racial animus. What's amazing is that the same racists (or complicit race baiters, i.e. Republican Party, Fox News, Drudge, Glen Beck, and Rush Limbaugh) are completely appalled and offended that someone played the "race card," but are complicit and implicit supporters of those who would play the Hitler, Communist, Terrorist, Muslim, Undocumented Worker Card against the President.

There is no evidence whatsoever that Obama is Hitler, a Communist, a Terrorist, a Muslim, or an Undocumented Worker, but there is a mountain of evidence that the Republican Party, Fox News, Glen Beck, and Rush Limbaugh are at least complicit with the racists, willing to court the racists' support, and to generally play on underlying racial animosity when ever it brings in votes or increases their ratings. These facts are borne out by the Republican Party's modern history (Southern Strategy, Wille Horton, Strom Thurman's "block vote" etc.) and the unexplainable vitriol of those who want to "take their country back" after 8 months from a centrist president who just got the most votes in US history.

I'm sorry that some people might suspect that right wingers might be a little racist based on your history, your proud lack of diversity, and the fact that you are marching between the guy holding the Obama Undocumented Worker sign and the other guy holding the Lyin African sign. We liberals promise do a better job in exercising our 1st amendment rights, so as to not offend your delicate conservative sensibilities, if you guys promise to find an encyclopedia to look up Hitler, Communism and Socialism and seriously consider going to decaf.

Posted by: cojo77 | September 16, 2009 12:35 PM

Gosh, I find it loathsome when writers use the word "loathe" [to find repugnant] when they mean "loath" [unwilling, reluctant].

Posted by: bobsewell | September 16, 2009 12:32 PM

Have to agree with Jimmy! I'm really fed up with the Fox and Limbaugh-indoctrinated crowd. They just don't represent America's best interests......

An Independent

Posted by: aeaustin | September 16, 2009 12:31 PM

These comments prove President Carter's point.
--------------------------------------
Please point out one comment that proves his point!

Posted by: JohnGalt4 | September 16, 2009 12:30 PM

It's time for ol Jimmy to go join Ted Kennedy in liberal heaven where they can practice pulling the race card for eternity.

Posted by: jahs4fun | September 16, 2009 12:29 PM

If Carter is right, then it is also true that every Black person who disagreed with Bush is a racist.

Posted by: JohnGalt4 | September 16, 2009 12:27 PM

These comments prove President Carter's point.

Posted by: gipper01 | September 16, 2009 12:25 PM

Unfortunately, it is both sad and true.

Posted by: gipper01 | September 16, 2009 12:23 PM

I'm curious what former President Carter has to say about those people, including members of Congress, who called Bush a "liar", "Nazi", "the anti-Christ" and much, much more. What about the people who carried signs at protests comparing Bush to Hitler? It might help if the media ignored the radical signs at these protests, as they did during the Bush admin., and instead showed the ones about policy and the ones that slam Bush and Republicans as well.

Does Carter realize that the man outside President Obama's speech in Minn. who was carring a rifle not only was legally permitted to do so but was an African American himself?

The race card is getting old but I guess it's the quickest way the "progressives" know how to stop any debate. Talk about fear mongering - "Let's call them all racists and maybe they'll be too afraid to speak up again!"

Posted by: mrsb3 | September 16, 2009 12:19 PM

To be a conservative is to be color blind???
I have received many e-mails from some of my 'conservative' friends and acquaintances that
were filled with racists pictures and remarks. I am a conservative and especially a fiscal conservative and wonder where all of
these debt resistant movements were when the
GOP Congress and Bush were doubling the nations debt to more than $11 trillion. If you are a conservative be a conservative regardless of which party is in power.
--------------------------------
I can't speak for your racist friends and family who call themselves conservatives, but a true conservative is color blind (period). A conservative believes that people should be judged by their actions regardless of race,gender or history.

I agree with you that Bush spent too much. The only thing I can say is that the spending that Obama is proposing is 10 fold more, literally. Its on a whole new level. If Bush tried to push a Cap & Trade bill on c02 or tried to take over health care, we would have been in the streets too. Tarp was crap and Bush was wrong to do it. If you pay attention to the tea party movement you would see that most of the protesters are sick of both sides, however the issue at hand today is Obama's leftist agenda, which is taking the level spending out of the ball park. They are also trying to do it before anyone notices. Obama wanted to pass his health care reform bill by the end of August. No debate, no weighing the pros and cons, he wanted to push it through before the American people knew what hit them.

I personally, am for draining the swamp in congress. Boot them all out. I'm for term limits. People who have been there for so long begin to have too much influence. They become too connected. They become corrupt.

The whole race argument is ridiculous. And shame on Carter for bringing it up. Its a distraction from the actual meat of the debate... which is, do we want to contiune down this socialist path.

Posted by: JohnGalt4 | September 16, 2009 12:19 PM

Carter stated the obvious. He's right.

Posted by: GeorgHerbet | September 16, 2009 12:17 PM

This man has desperately tried to be relevant after a presidency that was so bad we rolled the dice and elected a second rate actor just to get rid of him.

Nancy Reagan had the good sense to take Ronnie out of public life when he began to embarrass himself. Now that Jimmy is drooling worse than ever, what is Roslyn Carter's excuse for letting this go on?

Posted by: CincinnatiRIck | September 16, 2009 12:17 PM

President Carter... aside from his birthday coming up, why would anyone ask his opinion on the matter. It's obvious that the current Democratic administration doesn't need or want his help, or they would have asked for it.

Could it really could be as simple as not liking us spending a $1,000,000,000 without reading the bill, or going back on a campaign promise about contributions, or filling jobs within the government without vetting the candidates. Maybe it really is just about the content of the President.

One last question; Do the remarks Kanye West made about Bush after Hurricane Katrina mean Kanye's a racist?
Goose / Gander

Posted by: thensell | September 16, 2009 12:14 PM

President Carter told the truth, no matter how much or long the right tries to Deny it.

No President in history has ever had so much racial propaganda being seen in any political climate ever.

I am not talking about political propaganda, but racial hate propaganda. Looking back over the last year during the campaign and now, the amount of both racial & political propaganda has been overwhelming.

Here were some of the first:

* There was the now President and his wife dressed up in Terrorists gear on the cover of the New Yorker.
* There are/were Fox News commentators who made insidious comments about Michelle Obama and her babies daddy. Get it, baby daddy, as if to suggest that the Obama girls were born out of wedlock.
* There was a campaign ad with Obama on a phony $10 bill surrounded by buckets of Kentucky Fried Chicken, Kool-Aid, ribs, and watermelon.
* There were flyers sent out with Obama to make him look like bin Laden.
* There was the cartoon that was posted by the New York Post depicting the President as a deranged Gorilla being shot by the police.
* There was the box of Waffles with Obama on the front staring at a stack of waffles with bulging eyes and big lips.
* There was the Mayor who sent out an email with a watermelon patch growing on the Whitehouse lawn.
* There was the S.C. Activist Rusty Depasse comparing Michelle Obama to a gorilla.

And this was just some of the racial propaganda, which many in the GOP excused as political. As a matter of fact, all of it was initiated by conservative media, organizations, or individuals.

And next we have the GOP and Conservative media, and organizations stepping up their game higher and faster with more Racial Undertones, by characterizing the first black President of the U.S. as:

* A Muslim.
* A Muslim Terrorists.
* A Nazi.
* Hitler
* A Socialists.
* A Communists.
* The Joker.
* Frankenstein.
* There were the Florida GOP Chairman Jim Greer who insisted and feared that President Obama wanted to indoctrinate all school children and covert them into socialism, prior to the President giving an Education speech to school aged children.

This is just a shorter version of what this President has experienced from Extremist Conservatives in this country. These tactics and the extreme motives by the Right-Wing is not any different now then it was in the 1950's, which is to do nothing but spread Racist Hate and Fear towards this man who happens to be the First Black President in the United States.

Every week and month there is some new racial undertone directed at this President by the Conservative Party. I am sure before it's over with the list will grow longer and longer, until they are all satisfied with this President being physically harmed.

Posted by: lcarter0311 | September 16, 2009 12:13 PM

how about In My Opinion......?
does he have alzheimers?

Posted by: am29162 | September 16, 2009 12:09 PM

Shut up old man...

Posted by: nobozos | September 16, 2009 12:08 PM

Calling anyone a racist for disagreeing with Obama is no different from the neocons and rw calling anyone who disagreed with Bush as unpatriotic.

Posted by: TechGuy | September 16, 2009 12:08 PM

Too many peanuts and too much Billy beer.

Posted by: curb1 | September 16, 2009 12:08 PM

Carter is still as clueless as ever!!!!!!!

Posted by: Jimbo77 | September 16, 2009 12:02 PM

If anyone ever thought the animosity towards President Obama was anything other than racism they were being naive. Those patriotic elected officials in Congress who say they have nothing personal against him other than being a democrat are the ones who are lying. They lie to their collegues, their constituents and themselves when they say they don't have racial feelings against our first black president. They can't see past his color long enough to see he is half of their color as well. It would probably kill them to admit that. They all make me sick. I am so very glad I was raised by two extremely libral Californians who would have tanned my behind if I'd said some of the things being said about President Obama. They made me a better person because they couldn't see color or gender or religion. They just saw people and that is how I was raised. It made me a better human being. It'
s just too bad our Congressmen & women and Senators didn't have good parents to teach them how to be better humans.

Posted by: dmcdaniel2 | September 16, 2009 11:56 AM

This is the same tactic used during the Presidential Campaign. If you do not agree with Obama, you must be racist. It is a great ploy because the media in general know that they can be sued if they do not knuckle under to this. Objections to policies are based on facts, not on racism. No one cares whether Obama is black, white, red, yellow or green(and he is only half black anyway) but they do care if he is doing the right thing and in many cases, a lot of people think he is not. Calling someone racist because they do not agree with the president is a racist thing to do.

Posted by: tenshi1 | September 16, 2009 11:55 AM

A fine distinction is important here.

Disagreeing, even strongly disagreeing with the president, has nothing to do with racism.

However, the extreme levels of hatred and vitriole directed at President Obama MAY in some cases be related to the racism.

Posted by: writinron | September 16, 2009 11:54 AM

I think those of you who do not see that the criticism and things I've seen on the news the last couple of weeks are racially motivated need my glasses more than I do. I can't even see the tip of my nose without my glasses, so I'm saying you're truly blind. There have been soooo many veiled and extremely blatant comments of a racial nature that it would be hard to not see that some of President Obama's critics are definitely racist. You can disagree with his ideals and beliefs, but as the President he deserves the respect required of the office he now holds and will hold for the next three years. There will always be a certain group of Americans who don't recognize that the Black male deserves respect. It is so ingrained in their nature that they don't even see it. It’s a way of life, even when it stares them in the face when looking into a mirror. So you can call it racism or crying wolf. But I'm wearing my glasses and I see it all very clearly.

Posted by: Gale4ever2002 | September 16, 2009 11:53 AM

I lived in Georgia when Jimmy Carter ran for Governor. He used every racist trick in the book to get elected. I saw him in a debate with his Atlanta opponent saying that he supported George Wallace. I think Jimmy Carter is at heart a racist. He reminds me of the guy who is playing around on his wife and think everyone else is unfaithful because he is.

Posted by: jeannie72 | September 16, 2009 11:51 AM

Pres. Carter, you surprise me. You were the worst President the country has ever known. Are you applauding the man who is racing toward replacing you for that title? Granted, it took you 4 years to do the amount of damage BH O'Carter has accomplished in 8 months but he has 3 1/4 years to go.

Posted by: IQ168 | September 16, 2009 11:51 AM

Longbow65 is an idiot.

Posted by: missingwisc | September 16, 2009 11:49 AM

Race may factor in a small percentage of the population, both for White and Black. But the greater sense of frustration and anger is generated at a government that has a "Palace" mentality, a sense of "entitlement", politicians who, rather than being servants of the populace, take whatever money and power they can while in office to further entrench their power, suck every last dime they can from the public. Obama is only fueling this with government programs that send us further down the "indebtedness" trail, creating useless "czars" - positions which should already come under cabinet positions. There should be term limits for all members of congress, so these lovely people can't create little fiefdoms in perpetuity. (we do have term limits in place now - just vote them out!) The public's frustration isn't limited to the government, it is also directed to the private sector, where CEO's get paid millions, along with "golden parachutes" - often while running corporations in the ground. President Carter - get a life! You, and most of you in Washington are OUT OF TOUCH with small town America. You are so worried about money, power, and prestige that you no longer know what is important. Please leave town, and close the door on your way out!

Posted by: 1of9000 | September 16, 2009 11:49 AM

Tell it like it is, President Carter!

Posted by: dearshakti | September 16, 2009 11:46 AM

May God bless Barack Obama and keep him. May GOD protect him from evil doers and speak with hie enemies at the gate. Those who will attack him will surrender to him! May Obama laugh at fear and be surrounded and escorted with the messengers of the throne of GOD. May Barack Obama, uour president, gain favor with GOD and with men. Like Judah, who will arouse him. Obama will place his feet on the neck of his adversaries. God bless richly, Mr. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA! You will do great and win 2nd term ! Those who are with you are more than those who are against you! Peace be to you, Barack Obama!

Posted by: sankrah5577 | September 16, 2009 11:45 AM

To be a conservative is to be color blind???
I have received many e-mails from some of my 'conservative' friends and acquaintances that
were filled with racists pictures and remarks. I am a conservative and especially a fiscal conservative and wonder where all of
these debt resistant movements were when the
GOP Congress and Bush were doubling the nations debt to more than $11 trillion. If you are a conservative be a conservative regardless of which party is in power.

Posted by: jslivesay | September 16, 2009 11:43 AM

Carter is a pathetic old man looking for some attention. In reality he wasn't very bright before senility set in. In fact he was an idiot then too. Thanks to Carter the Chinese now control the Panama Canal. And thanks to Carter Iran is now a theocracy.
The man has the mental agility of a small soap dish.

Posted by: brattykathyi1 | September 16, 2009 11:40 AM

Carter was a poor president and was called many things by many people for his performance and policies but the biggest comment was his single term.
No doubt there are whites that do not think Obama should be President because he is half black but do not for an instant think that there was not racial comments made by blacks about most white Presidents (except maybe Clinton who claimed to be the first black President ;^{).
The majority of the push against the administration are actually against their policies. As the face of those policies, the President takes the brunt of the attacks. A few examples of the issues:
1) Writing bad checks (checks with nothing to back them up except future additional tax dollars) that jeopardize the valuation of the dollar and the financial future of the country.
2) Having government control in every facet of our lives.
3) Fixing the symptoms instead of the problem.
Additionally, people are tired of having their will ignored in D.C. because the administration/congress believes it knows better or is bought off by corporations. This is by no means limited to this administration or congress but is being brought to a head by the very magnitude of decisions being made. A perfect example is the bailout (pick one). The public was obviously against it, congress voted it down once but were then coerced to pass it without even reading it! No regulation, no metrics, no conditions, no tracking, nothing! The deficit has increased more during the first 6 months of Obama's administration than the total deficit preceding his administration.
These are the reasons for opposition to Obama's policies, the protests, the angry town hall meetings, the tea parties.

Posted by: screwjob1 | September 16, 2009 11:31 AM

The matter is of color. Mr. Obama believes in red. Americans believe in red, white, and blue.

Considering that Blacks account for less than 14% of the U.S. population (whites 74%), that's quite a showing. Can you name one prominent Hispanic conservative?

To be a conservative is to be color blind. Liberals can't stomach that, which makes them the true racist bigots. Because if you judge a man, favorably or unfavorably by the color of his skin you are engaging is racism.

In the History of America allowing Blacks to vote. They have voted mostly democratic. And of course there were no African American candidates until recent History. So who have they voted for? White Men! Usually he would be a Candidate most of you would label as a sympathizer. Whites need to throw off the yoke of Us, Them, Not our kind, Real Americans, Etc. being manipulated by the GOP. Didn't Rush blast Colin Powell? Didn't hear a lot of defense on his behalf by you guy's. As for Blacks taking position at Colleges away from Asian students, misery must surely love company cause this is the worst kind of baiting.

Posted by: minco_007 | September 16, 2009 11:20 AM

If people were against big government, where were they during the G.W. Bush years with soaring deficits and ever decreasing rights against illegal search and seizure? The hate expressed out there is not about debating the health care bill. The health care bill has become a proxy for removing Obama from power by whatever means possible by the same crowds who showed up at Palin town halls during the presidential campaign. They cannot accept that someone who they feel is very different from them could be leading our country, and they are very afraid of what will happen in a few decades when white people are no longer a majority. They feel the country rightly belongs to them (they bled during the revolutionary war, the civil war, and the two world wars) and cannot accept how it is changing. Most of them will not think they are racist, but are willing to believe anything they hear about a black man, with a foreign sounding name, who speaks in an academic language that feels just as foreign. In many ways, I think it is a fear of the unknown, and of feeling someone very different from them is in power. G.W. Bush did a lot worse than Obama has done so far in terms of increasing the size and reach of the Federal government, but he looked and sounded like them, so they were not worried.

Posted by: JPHT | September 16, 2009 11:19 AM

Jimmy Carter may not have been a good President, but when some people ridicule him for being a peanut farmer, it debunks the myth that any U.S. citizen can grow up to be the President. The truth of the matter is that almost all U.S. Presidents were white males from the privileged background. Another irony is that those who make an issue of Carter's profession as a peanut farmer do not have an issue of Ronald Reagan's profession as an actor or sportscaster.

Posted by: TalkingHead1 | September 16, 2009 11:17 AM

Do you even hear what you people are saying. Yuo make the point evident. Trying to be clever doesn't support your ignorance.

Posted by: jckdoors | September 16, 2009 11:16 AM

I agree with President Carter. The repugnant behavior and disrespect demonstrated by Joe Wilson against President Obama is pure racism and, based on the facts about the current proposed healthcare bill, Wilson's statement is the lie.

Posted by: nannye | September 16, 2009 11:16 AM

carter, and maureen dowd are the only racists I hear in this discussion..

Posted by: SMWE357 | September 16, 2009 11:15 AM

As usual, Carter only speaks the truth, and is hated for it.

You go Jimmy.

Posted by: ian807 | September 16, 2009 11:14 AM

Yawn. Now that folks have voiced strong disapproval of health care legislation [HR3200] along with Cap and Trade the new meme is that those who oppose President Obama and other progressives are racist. It’s the only tool left in the progressive work box as they can’t counter reasoned, logical opposition.

If my unwillingness to don the yoke of economic slavery makes me a racist, so be it. Won’t change my point of view on the burdensome legislation winding it’s way through congress.

Mr. ‘Peanut’ Carter is just another nut falling from the progressive tree.

Posted by: sak61 | September 16, 2009 11:14 AM

Replying to:
Jimmy Carter is and has always been a liberal puke idiot. As the worst president of the 20th Century, he has done nothing but slam this country since his one term butt was kicked out. Please remember his cowardice and lack of leadership with the Iranian hostage crisis
_______________________

This is an unfortunate re-writing of history. First off Carter had an excellent military record before becoming president that alone should earn him more respect than you seem cacpble of offering. Secondly he was not liberal but rather pretty middle of the road. Thirdly, he did not diplay anything other than solid leadership during the hostage crisis. Remeber he sent the troops in and they were on the ground in Iran. The offical story is that a clogged air filter downed on the the 'copters and we'll leave it at that but that's far from cowardice. Carter deserves your respect because he is a deeply religous man who sought to ensure the dignity of his fellow man through his leadership. He was ahead of the curve on alternative energy and montary policy. All reagan did was trade the haostages for some F-4 parts which was against US policy and law. In short: Jam it looser

Posted by: bob29 | September 16, 2009 11:11 AM

Inasmuch as I would like to beleive that this fervor isn't deeply rooted in race I have to utilize a little common sense in a see it for what it is. Where were all these protestors when we invaded a country based on an "OOPS"? All of sudden these alleged tea parties became popular? Give me a break!

This man attempts to offer health care to citizens and preachers pray for his death. Absolutely Rich!

I do beleive there are many legitimate gripes with the administration and government in general, well within their right but simply calling the man a socialist because he wore loafers instead of oxfords on a Tuesday is just DOWNRIGHT STUPID!!

Those having a legitimate disagreement please do yourselves a favor and seperate yourselves from these race-baiting intolerant bigots. They are seriously undermining your arguments.

Posted by: creamit20 | September 16, 2009 11:08 AM

Everytime I think Dubya might just be the worst modern President, Jimmy Carter surges past him in the race to the bottom in a wind sprint.

Another poster stated: "During the primaries the Clintons were racists, during the general election McCain and Palin were racists and now virtually every republican who opposes Obama or exposes an Obama lie is a racist. "

The One never has to play his race card personally, that's what His proxies are for. To smoke out racist bigots like the Clintons.
Or all the scared senior citizen racists..

And on top of what the poster said he grew up in Chicago politics...a system riven with corruption, a racial spoils system, and habitually lying politicians.

Face it, this guy never had a job in his life where he had to deliver anything or have the facts and allies lined up before talking con law in his teaching sinecure or giving an "inspiring speech" written by Axelrod's TelePrompter writing staff.

To all too many people he reminds them of someone who talks a good line, but is so convinced of his charm, brilliance, and ability to shovel BS that he soon outs himself as a liar. A preening narcissist so in love with his own voice and all who he IS --that he just can't shut his mouth for one day and do some actual work.

Yesterday, George Will noted that he has been in office 234 days and has given 265 public speeches.
This Sunday, he booked himself to give talks on 5 separate shows, then caps that off with most of Monday's Letterman show dedicated to Dave showcasing what a cool, wonderful Hollywood kinda guy Barack is. No doubt as they trade clever, ironic bon mots.

Posted by: ChrisFord1 | September 16, 2009 11:08 AM

Former President Jimmy Carter's comments that the hostility and hatred against President Obama is a result of racism. Smart, well-educated and accomplished African-Americans (especially men) have always been seen as a threat by inferior whites. As someone who earned a masters degree from a white university and who also worked for several modern-day plantations in the federal government-- (reporting to a number of uneducated and unqualified hillbilly supervisors), racism is less than subtle in the federal government. A double standard exist, your opinions and contributions aren't valued and you are seen as a threat by your white supervisors and their "favored" house negroes who lack the education, qualifications and experience to hold their jobs. President Obama ("Mr. Post-Racial America") is seen as uppity, as a threat and I believe he is simply experiencing what many African-Americans (especially men) have always experienced in the workplace (i.e., hatred, contempt and jealousy).

It's been evident for many months that when Obama's political fortunes are under duress, that he and his mentors instinctively resort to playing the victimization of racial bias in the hopes of inoculating him against criticism. However, in the case of Jimmy Carter, Carter is simply angry that Obama has replaced him with the distinction of being "The Most Inept President In Amaerican History". Greg Neubeck

Posted by: gneubeck | September 16, 2009 11:05 AM

I want to thank "dmente" for his/her extremely intelligent comment. I agree with dmente 100%.

Until the time comes -- if ever -- when we don't even notice the color, gender, religious affiliation, etc. (including height and physiognomy) of a political candidate, we all have to pay careful and self-critical attention within ourselves to just exactly what it is that we are noticing.

Posted by: incredulousinBoyntonBeach | September 16, 2009 11:04 AM

To the commenter who brought up the origins of the word redneck, here it is. During the 1920's there was a march on the state capitol of West Virginia by coal miners to protest conditions in the lives of the miners and their families. The marchers wore red bandannas around their necks as a symbol of solidarity and they became referred to as rednecks. Their protest was, naturally, crushed by the authorities. Not quite the origin you would think.

A group fighting against the oppression of mine owners would, for me, give the word a very noble connotation. Today, it's a blanket term to cover working class people of Southern ancestry, forget that you can find "rednecks" in the Vermont woods, the farms of Nebraska, and yes, even in New York City. I just wish that they could revert to the original definition of the term and start seeing that their enemies aren't liberals or African-Americans, but the very same big business interests that seem to hold more influence over their opinions than any working class entity.

of course others just see that Obama is colored...and that in itself...makes him special...post racial

however...it is you that want to be post racial...like most Americans...so you voted Obama based on part his race...you felt proud of yourself and others for voting a black man

do you see how backwards that really is...not post racial

Posted by: ram_xxx_ram | September 16, 2009 11:03 AM

jimmy who?

Posted by: SMWE357 | September 16, 2009 10:57 AM

Seriously, why don't the Dems grow some and put a stop to allowing this stupidity. I'm pretty much 100% certain that if any one of us had carried firearms to a Bush speech (all his only had handpicked invitees for attendees, remember?)...you would be sitting in Gitmo right about now...

Posted by: Impeachbush99 | September 16, 2009 10:57 AM

nobama2012, you are not only racist, you are ignorant.

Posted by: hettie1 | September 16, 2009 10:57 AM

1. Go to any GOP political rally.

2. Count the the people of color in attendance

==================

Blacks vote 90% plus democrat. I guess you are the only ones who are NOT racist.

I know you like to say Jesse and Al are not your leaders, but you follow them lock step.

Democrats/liberals will happily take away scholarships and university seats from Asian students and give them to less qualified black students.

GOP just want to treat you equally. You, however, are too lazy compete equally and require a special handicap...therefore you beg and whine to white liberals for their pity and welfare.

Posted by: ram_xxx_ram | September 16, 2009 10:55 AM

I see, so those Democrats that don't approve of Micheal Steele are racists? Oh, that's different I guess.

Posted by: mmourges | September 16, 2009 10:55 AM

During the primaries the Clintons were racists, during the general election McCain and Palin were racists and now virtually every republican who opposes Obama or exposes an Obama lie is a racist.

Was it Axelrod who said: The most effective weapon we have in our toolbox is playing the race card and we intend to use it.

It's incredible that they can't understand that by playing the race card they are only exposing themselves as the true racists.

Posted by: bingham60 | September 16, 2009 10:53 AM

I don't believe that the animosity toward Barack Obama is because he's black. The right thrives on one thing alone: hatred of liberals. And to the right that's anyone who doesn't hold the same views that they do. To be labeled a liberal is to be called a communist, a traitor, someone who wants to see America fail. The same would have happened if the president had been Russ Feingold or Bernie Saunders or Barbara Boxer. Liberals are the enemy. And the self-congratulating members of the right are patriots, great Americans ever vigilant to whatever they perceive to be a danger to what they believe America should be. And their followers have been thinking this way for years, it's written in their DNA. It's why there's so much diversity in the Democratic Party but the GOP is a one note party. Liberals are the enemy. Period.

Posted by: curtb | September 16, 2009 10:52 AM

We all have experienced Racism on the local level. Inappropriate comments, gestures, staring, outburst. But never since America began to consider itself a Civilized nation has this type of nonsense taken place. Bringing loaded guns to Presidential town halls. C'MON! He's not one of us! What does that mean? Someone qualify that for me. Cindy Sheehan was arrested just for protesting, without a weapon. If Liberals are Marxist & Socialist then what are KKK, Skin Heads, Neo-Nazi's, various White Citizens Groups, etc., PATRIOTS? If you're against Obama then why the argument that he wasn't born in America? If it were true the Congress would have invalidated this Presidency a long time ago. What's with the Gorilla comments or GOP staffers sending emails with white eyes on a black background. Is this good humor or Racist humor? Socialism and Racism are not one in the same as many are trying to conflate.

Posted by: minco_007 | September 16, 2009 10:52 AM

The main thing I love and admire about Obama is how much he can stir up the ignorant right wing GOP brainless twits. If it makes any of you twits feel any better, it was a million times worse for us during the Bush years, however, we were just a bit more mature and subdued in our displays of disdain. While I truly believed that the right wing of the GOP, rich old white people and the naive/ignorant/uneducated of this country had gone completely off the deep end during the Bush years, I was WRONG! The GOP sets a new bar for stupidity almost daily!

It's healthy to disagree with your President, your Government and your Representatives, however, they are your democratically elected officials and you need to show respect. For instance, I shouldn't say that Bush was as dumb as a box of rocks and that I wouldn't piass on Dick Cheney or Donny Rummy if they were on fire...as that would be disrespectful.

Posted by: Impeachbush99 | September 16, 2009 10:51 AM

It seemed to me that President Carter was making a carefully considered point. He did not state that all opposition to President Obama is motivated by racism as some here have perhaps willfully misheard. His statement was about the animosity shown towards President Obama, and he carefully said that "an overwhelming portion of the intentionally demonstrated animosity" is due to President Obama being African-American. I believe he has got that right.

Listening and reading carefully is important in an intelligent discussion. If you just want to hurl insults, well then don't worry about listening to the other person.

Posted by: dmente | September 16, 2009 10:50 AM

One needs only to read the comments of those protesting loudly that they are not racists to see that racism is still quite alive. But racism is obviously not the only element in the opposition to Obama. There are many who honestly believe that just having a Democratic president is sufficient excuse for frothing at the mouth. The fact that he is black only increases the frothing.

Posted by: serban1 | September 16, 2009 10:49 AM

The hateful expressions on the republican congressmen sitting near Wilson during President Obama's speech look the same as the hateful expressions directed to black kids first going to desegrated schools in Arkansas and other deep south places. You know it when you see it, even if they don't use racist words.

Posted by: cbinusa | September 16, 2009 10:49 AM

This is like crying wolf. The word "racist" still has some potency although it is waning. Keep this up Obama supporters. Keep bringing this up every time someone disagrees with the him. Soon this term will be meaningless and that is shame since race and racism is a subject that we must discuss openly and honestly instead of the knee jerk way it is being done.

Posted by: sayitaintsokerry | September 16, 2009 10:48 AM

Anyone who looks at the current debate, which is a classic one between right and left politics, and sees "racism" is one, a racist bigot themselves for considering the race of those who decent on issues instead of the merits of their message. Two, "ignorant" is a word that only begins to describe their intellect, unable to cope with intellectual confrontation they scream..."RACISM". Three, DESPERATE!; bankrupt of ideas and corrupt to the core , the only argument an ignorant, leftist bigot can muster is ... "RACISM"!

How do you explain 75% approval rating after the president was elected! He only won 53% of the vote. Anyone with anything between their ears can see that his is not racism.

How is believing in lower taxes and less government racist? Obama is trying to pass into law some of the most extreme leftist programs ever put forth in this country i.e. Cap & Trade on C02 and Government run health care, which is being sold as the public option.

Posted by: JohnGalt4 | September 16, 2009 10:48 AM

Amen jaysmom60 Amen.. your post says it all.. thank you.

Posted by: VietVet68 | September 16, 2009 10:45 AM

1. Go to any GOP political rally.

2. Count the the people of color in attendance. Do not count the people of color who are on the dais, those working security or involved with food service or media members.

3. See a problem?

4. Such was the state of affairs in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008. This is the state of affairs today within the Republican Party.

Posted by: palmtree2001 | September 16, 2009 10:44 AM

1. Go to any GOP political rally.

2. Count the the people of color in attendance. Do not count the people of color who are on the dais, those working security or involved with food service or media members.

3. See a problem?

4. Such was the state of affairs in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008. This is the state of affairs today within the Republican Party.

Posted by: palmtree2001 | September 16, 2009 10:41 AM

Carter says the "overwhelming" amount of comments leads him to believe it is racially inspired. The response in civil terms to Carter is "Hogwash"
By the way was Kanye West racist in what he did. Would he have done the same if the winner was other than white?

Posted by: lawman1 | September 16, 2009 10:41 AM

rowens 1,
The word redneck is Northern slang for white folks that work with their hands in the hot southern sun, sunburning their necks.It is also a slur against white folk in the South with whom Nothern libs and carpetbaggers (because during the Reconstruction of the South after the Civil War, Yankee rascals moved into the South carrying their Carpet suitcases), look upon as inferior. The other racial slurs aimed at white Southerners are "Cracker", White trash","Honkey", etc. These are not considered racial slurs, however, because we cannot be offended as others in this country. Carter isn't a redneck because that would be an insult to rednecks in the South. He is an enlightened, yellowdog peckerwood who has been as we used to say "Reconstructed".

Posted by: sburkhalter | September 16, 2009 10:39 AM

Want proof of President Carter's statement? Just look at all the irrational and hateful posts here. The majority of them are crying out that because they have a difference of opinion with Obama that it doesn't mean they are racists.

Well, yes that could be true.. but President Carter NEVER said such a thing. He's talking about the well noted increase in death threats and racist speech on the rise. That is a fact. The FBI has been documenting it and warning about it.

We who are rational, of course know that a difference of opinion... is just that- and doesn't mean being a racist. But to those who are screaming such a claim... it seems like a cover. So perhaps you should look deeper...

Posted by: lingo009 | September 16, 2009 10:36 AM

Throughout my life (moderately long) I have come to an observation that most people see the world through their own eyes (literally and figuratively.)

What this means to me is that those who see racism in Wilson's remarks have a bit of color vision themselves (and note that this can be true regardless of the color of one's skin).

I do not know Wilson and I do not pretend to know his beliefs. I do believe that those who are claiming racism probably still see the world more with shades of black and white than with shades of political ideology.

Posted by: UofCOptimisticCynic | September 16, 2009 10:34 AM

There are people in this country who will never accept a black person in certain positions. These are the same people who, among others things, call to find out if the doctor is black before they make an appointment.

Racism is insiduous and requires true, honest self examination, which some people unfortunately are not willing to do because (1)it either serves their purpose,(2) it's much easier to demonize others than accept the truth about themselves; or (3) they lack the courage to stand up for what they know is right, because their particular perspective is so in-bred they would end being ostracized or ridiculed.

The press never treated Bush the way they are treating Obama. They gave Bush a pass, and they hardly reported criticism of him. Obama comes along and the press cites every piece of mud thrown out by the mud-throwers, no matter how far out of bounds. So I don't think racial bias is restricted to just those who criticize. The press truly thinks this is just fine to keep reporting every attack as if it is blood sport, and the masses love it. The media does not see what they are doing, giving permission for the racist mob to rise....

Posted by: goldie2 | September 16, 2009 10:33 AM

Carter is right.

Posted by: trace1 | September 16, 2009 10:33 AM

Dear Mr. Carter,
What is your evidence that Joe is a racist? You didn't site any reason for your statement other than you FEEL that he is. When you judge others on your feelings and not facts, you become less than credible. To quote a patriot: "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak up and remove all doubt." What if all of us who had to make a living through your pathetic presidency, judged you on our feelings? Once, in the past, you were a kind and gentle soul to all, but that enviable quality has been replaced by your arrogance. You have become an arrogant man.

Posted by: EvreeMan | September 16, 2009 10:30 AM

Replace Obama with Harry Alford as President and see who is racist then Jimmy Carter. I think it's time for FOX News to run a history piece on the Carter Peanut Plantation. Top three hated neo-commies Sean Penn (he will always be King), Michael Moore and Jimmy Carter. Possibly not three more useless human beings on earth. Wait they're all white. I'm white.....my goodness I think I'm racist against white people.

Posted by: nobama2012 | September 16, 2009 10:29 AM

Look. You can disagree with the President. No problem. But when you see signs saying "lying African", "muslim alien", "big bro'", GOP saying "we need our next great white hope", Michelle Obama's ancestor is an ape, pictures of him as a witch doctor, and to be frank, signs that say "Keep the White House white", those are all pretty clear indications of racial animosity.

No one who criticized George Bush made the slightest reference to his race that I can recall. Or Clinton before him. Someone in this post called Carter the "worst President ever": no reference to his race.

Why do you think Birthers make noise about Obama?

Do some not like him because of his policies? Sure? But why do so many find it so difficult to believe there is a racial element to all of this? As a black man, I would love to live in the colorblind world you apparently occupy.

I'm amazed that will such blunt language, some of you *still* find ways to excuse this behavior. Do you see anyone in the Administration using this as an excuse? I don't. So why is it so difficult to admit that it is there.

I suspect that everyone who denies this are the same people who are worried about the state taking their guns, yet supported the state arresting Prof. Gates on his porch.

Posted by: eternalemperor | September 16, 2009 10:28 AM

A documented Anti-Semite, Jimmy Carter decides other people he doesn't know or met are racist. That's interesting, you democrats are scraping the bottom of the barrel to find Race Pimps aren't you?

Oh and by the way, according to rassmussen today only 12% of Americans agree with the Washington Post/democratic party Race Pimps. Good luck making new freinds calling the other 88% racist.

Posted by: robtr | September 16, 2009 10:28 AM

Former President Carter is correct that the opposition to President Obama is based in racism. People are actually making stupid statements about wanting the President to fail; how is that attitude anything but racial? Why would a rational citizen want the President and therefore the nation to fail? People are also very quick to point out the deficit without acknowledging that this administration inherited the deficit from Bush 43. People point out the economic recession but fail to credit the two-term Bush administration for allowing the recession and the economic crash that all economist now cite as being in recovery. No one yelled at Bush 43 when he took us into two wars, increasing spending while reducing taxes and giving away the Clinton surplus. No one yelled at Gerald Ford who created buttons and slogans (WIN= Whip Inflation Now) as his economic plan to end inflation. And when Saint Ronald created trickle down economics, which never trickled anywhere below the upper class, no one yelled at him. He even fell asleep in cabinet meetings and when it was reported -- no one in Congress felt the need to yell at him during a public speech. Former President Nixon left office in disgrace and no one from the Congress yelled at him. President Obama inherited a mess and he is thwarted at every turn; racist drawings are held up during protest rallies, and citizens are praying for his failure. Somehow, people pretend they can't see the double standard and try to equate the actions of an elected Member of the House to those of an athlete or an entertainer; we decry the loss of civility. That is a bogus comparison as entertainers have always acted out and Ms. Williams is not the first athlete to lose her cool on the court; politics is different. Politicians are saavy and in that setting Rep. Wilson did exactly what he felt he could get away with and no more. The fact that voters are rallying to his side and contributions are pouring in says alot about our country. Former President Carter simply told the truth as one who knows racism when he sees it.

Posted by: jaysmom60 | September 16, 2009 10:27 AM

hilarious. he just keeps on giving. thanks for the laugh, Carter.

Posted by: millionea7 | September 16, 2009 10:25 AM

Jimmy Carter is and has always been a liberal puke idiot. As the worst president of the 20th Century, he has done nothing but slam this country since his one term butt was kicked out. Please remember his cowardice and lack of leadership with the Iranian hostage crisis. We in the South are so sick and tired of the Race card being thrown at us and now he throws it at all Conservatives and Independents who disagree with obama's policies. Screaming racism is the liberal/fascist last resort to shut their critics up, but that day will soon be gone. We the people will not be silenced and we will rise against obama and his ilk on principal not "racism".

Posted by: sburkhalter | September 16, 2009 10:25 AM

With foolish statements like this the ex-president is doing a disservice to the nation. To charge racism as the basis for expressed opposition is a sign of cowardess and a shallow mind. Shame on him.

Posted by: sero1 | September 16, 2009 10:24 AM

I would cite ignorance first and then racism and then the longing for 3 minutes of fame. He will undoubtedly write a book and a lot of people will buy it and he will make a lot of money. This incident,when you consider where it happened, is no worse than the Iraqi throwing the shoe at Bush. He should have been escorted out of the hall and charged with a felony based on his ignorance and then not allowed back in.

Posted by: racam | September 16, 2009 10:24 AM

What does the label "redneck" mean? Around rural Minnesota, in connotes a male with rigid attitudes AGAINST outsiders.

I would like to know what informed people think of as "redneck"?

Posted by: rowens1 | September 16, 2009 10:22 AM

If you are offended by the comments of President Carter, you should ask yourself why.

Racism takes many forms, and in America no one is immune to this disease, regardless of color.

A lot of people have worked hard to put into check the racist attitudes they were taught as children. My family surely had its share, and I had to fight it off every time I was inclined to make a judgement about a group of blacks based upon the biased stories coming from the mainstream press in the 50s and 60s.

I remember when my 4 month old daughter first saw a black man on my mother's farm in Rappahanock County, Virginia. The moment she laid eyes on him she screamed bloody murder. He told me that it is normal: we ALL look strange to each other at first view. So I can imagine how we must guard against inculcating the "boogeyman" attitude as we raise our children. Otherwise, they may have racist tendencies that they can not even understand as adults.

I don't have much patience with people who get so offended that Carter has called certain people racists.

The old adage still applies. If the shoe fits, wear it.

Posted by: expat2MEX | September 16, 2009 10:20 AM

As a 1st generation Asian-American female, I would say I experienced racism first hand-from whites, blacks, male, and other asians as well. But I didn't just sit and whine and blame racism so I'll have an excuse for underachieving. I worked hard-very, very, hard to get me at a point wherein I could pay my tithe, buy what I want, and pay my taxes to help those who are truly in need and those who (woe to me) would rather sit and whine and take free money.

Posted by: larla9999 | September 16, 2009 10:20 AM

Quote from Booker T. Washington

"There is a class of colored people who make a business of keeping the troubles, the wrongs, and the hardships of the Negro race before the public. Some of these people do not want the Negro to lose his grievances, because they do not want to lose their jobs. There is a certain class of race-problem solvers who don't want the patient to get well."

It is the likes of Jesse Jackson, Sharpton and others that owe their livelihood to throwing the race card down at every opportunity. I'm surprised we haven't heard from claiming that the call on Serena Williams at the US Open was because she's African American.
Carter needs to return to his peanut farm where he was most competent, having served as an incompetent president for only four years--most fortunately.

Posted by: giveusallabreak | September 16, 2009 10:19 AM

Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy......you white plantation owning guilt ridden human being. Are you so guilt ridden over the slaves who worked the Carter Peanut Plantation back in the day that you are transferring that guilt to those of us who are white European immigrants arriving in this land long after slavery was abolished. Is that it Jimmy or you just a washed up old senile dolt ? I have no coherent argument so I will scream racism at the top of my lungs to shut everyone up. I ain't shuttin' up and neither is the Republican Party. Racist tone.....here's a racist tone for you. You are white trash that just happened to be born into money stolen off the backs of slave labor. Peace out Jimbo. By the way Roslyn was a babe back in the day. How'd you land her ? Oh right money. Limousine Liberal all the way. Is Charlie Gibson aware that you're still alive ?

Posted by: nobama2012 | September 16, 2009 10:19 AM

I was downtown one day when a Black fellow approached me to ask for $5. He explained that he was taking his wife who was in labor to the hospital and that he had run out of gas. His wife, he said, was in the car at the side of the freeway waiting his return. He apparently interpreted the cause of my denial of his request to be racism, as he called me "Cracker" when he turned to approach someone else.

Posted by: rpatoh | September 16, 2009 10:19 AM

There's no fool like an old fool. Carter was a fool in 1977 and he's a fool today. When you have no argument, pull out "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" racist charge. Doesn't the Neo-Comm Party have more than one arrow in their quiver?
So when I criticized Bush, was I a racist? How about Clinton, was it racist to criticize the FIRST black (and female, we were informed) president? Criticizing Hillary, is that ra/sexist?
These people have no problem piling on Walter Williams and Clarence Thomas as "Uncle Toms," but when Communist President #2 is criticized...wait, that's what Reds do so well...
I'm so glad Barry has put all this stuff behind us. "Why debate my opponents when I can destroy them?" --Jos. Stalin

Posted by: PONCHOVILLA | September 16, 2009 10:17 AM

Joe Wilson may be a low-class bama but Jimmy Carter is a world-class idiot. I've never like the guy and would have voted for Ford in '76. I voted for John Anderson in '80.

Posted by: koolkat_1960 | September 16, 2009 10:17 AM

Between declaring an unnecessary war and leading us over the biggest economic cliff since the great depression, W has my vote for the worst president by far.

Posted by: tiggertime1 | September 16, 2009 10:16 AM

Jimmy Carter is living in the past, when stating "racism" was the ultimate trump card to silence any critic.
Some of us who are against Obama's leftist agenda are getting fed up with this old canard that we are racists just because we disagree with a man who happens to be black. A man who was elected largely because he is black, not because he was qualified.
The likes of Jimmy Carter will never shut up about this, because he is a senile old nut.

Posted by: Cranios | September 16, 2009 10:15 AM

Grew up in the south and midwest and have family members who wouldn't vote for Obama despite being lifelong democrats because of the color of his skin. None of them go around waving a rebel flags or saying openly racist things in public, but I know where they stand. I know what white people say to me in a parking lot when a black grocery store checkout person takes too long to process an order. And I have enough black friends to know that while sometimes paranoia about racism effects their judgement of their experiences that they do experience real racism more often than they should. Racism is alive and well and has alot to do with the tea parties, the uproar over the president trying to speak to white school children, and the misrepresentation of his policies.
If you can't see that at least half of the negative response to him is rooted in racism then you are living in a ideological bubble of some kind that I will kindly be happy to pop for you.

Posted by: tiggertime1 | September 16, 2009 10:13 AM

I hate to burst everyone's race-baiting bubble, but the President is bi-racial (that's right, he said it!): his father was African, his mother white. So any criticism directed towards Mr. Obama (whoops, President Obama - don't want Jimmy to label me a racist for leaving it out) is aimed at another President with a white mother. It hurts to know that, but the truth does hurt.

And by the way, where is the outrage over Carter's continual anti-semitism? You know, because anyone who criticizes Israel must be anti-semitic.

Posted by: CubsFan | September 16, 2009 10:12 AM

What can you expect from the worst American president of all time?

Posted by: larla9999 | September 16, 2009 10:11 AM

We Have Some Help

Many that existed to struggle from
day to day for food, shelter, clothes
and basic necessities always had
help in the Lord.

We bear witness that they now have
some help among those that are sent
to rule and govern. Thus we pray for our
leaders and thank God for the help.

John saw and looked at H E L P. He
then saw Heaven, Everlasting, Love
and Peace. Love equals Peace and Peace
equals Heaven. We thus pray for all of humankind.

We also pray for the salvation of all that
liveth. Thank God for help as those stricken
to rely on social welfare cry out. There are
no useless handouts to the poor.

Those that willfully exploit any program for
the needy will be quartered not in a mansion
but in a stable of goats. Cry not for the hungry
just stay with HELP.

Cont. Part 6: Compassion For The Poor: The Attack On Poverty

Peace and Golden Paradise, Carl A. Patton writing for the FreedomJournal Press 4 September 2009 in the year of our Lord and savior Christ Jesus.

Posted by: carlapattonFreedomJournal | September 16, 2009 10:11 AM

Wilson's "You lie!" meant - Obama was saying one thing while lying to the people about HR3200.

But Obama was speaking about HIS proposals - and Wilson was reacting to a LACK of clarification in HR3200 explaining how illegals would be excluded from the government plan.

Wilson could have simply suggested the wording in HR3200 be clarified - but his irrational thoughts and unstable emotions took over.

Posted by: angie12106 | September 16, 2009 10:10 AM

October10S. so, the way the democrats treated George W. Bush was also Racist? is that what you are saying? Because of the profoundly ugly way in which you disagreed?
Why the double standard?
Liberal Democrats are acting as if Conservative Republicans created the act protest, of disrepectful attitudes and comments toward the president. This is not new. What is new is that AS YOU ALL CONTINUE TO POINT OUT, the man is Black. WHO CARES. I, a white woman, was really excited and happy that this man was elected and that he is black. I was truly honestly EXCITED about that. I didn't vote for him because i thought his experience was too slim. However, I was excited about all of it. I still think it is just awesome and I am truly happy for him and his family for making history.

If it seems conservatives are acting profoundly ugly, it is because of the profound disregard for our countries financial future.

Posted by: PartySandwich | September 16, 2009 10:10 AM

Former President Carter stated a truth and there is No resolution forthcoming through debates and harsh words.

Posted by: words4us | September 16, 2009 10:10 AM

If Wilson is a racist for saying "you lie" then what is Obama who supports

affirmative action

support of racist Gates rant over cops

New Black Panther Party voter intimidation

Black Value Sytem pledge allegience to all black leaders

Yellow mellow white right

racist CBC

.
.
.

Posted by: ram_xxx_ram | September 16, 2009 10:10 AM

The far left wing of the Democrats have made a shameful and hypocritical art of using 'racist, xenophobic, greedy, evil monger, etc etc' whenever, as they often do, lose an intellectual arguement.When all else fails, and you just deeply hate your opposition, throw every mean spiritied label you can, that's the shameless liberals.

Falsely accusing one of murder or rape is a crime, as should be accusing one of racism or any other inflammatory and inciteful label the left uses regularly.

Only 6% of Americans disapproved of Obama on inauguration day, meaning democrats, independents, and republicans were rooting for him, regardless of whether they voted for him or not.Now that number is over 40% for disapproval - did many of us just wake up 7 months later and become racists? Did we look into the depths of our soul, or better yet tune in our flat screens better and realize, "Oh he's African-American, didn't notice that before - oh, I don't like him now!" Nothing to do with the far jump to the left in policies, extraordinary spending, an aggressive no discussion approach to trying to pass health care, a no discussion cap and trade bill etc etc??

No, if you disagree with Obama, than you are a racist. Period.

There is outsized rhetoric on both sides, but no group like the fringe left uses it as broadly and shamelessly.In this great nation of all, an African-American President, 10s of millions of immigrants like my parents, the most diverse, progressive, and succesful nation in human history, and this is how they behave?? They are disgusting.

Was it racism to be against Colin Powell, Condeelza Rice, or Michael Steele? Ah, no -- they were African-American but in the 'wrong' party, so clearly they were "SELL OUTS!!" or "Uncle Toms" - disgusting and pitiful.

Just label someone, that's all you have to do.There is no personal responsibility, integrity, decency, or true intelligence left over there - just infinite ingratitude for America, shameless entitlement, inflammatory rhetoric, and mindless hand wringing.

I'm non-white, I could use the Democrats tactics - unfortunately as the son of immigrants, I know how great, diverse, and decent this nation is, something the spineless and pitiful far left will never know.

Posted by: vipermd | September 16, 2009 10:09 AM

Of course, it's racism!

Posted by: Gatsby10 | September 16, 2009 10:08 AM

this is just disgusting. i respect the president and the vice president.

i do not agree with everything they are doing.

because i disagree the far left calls me a racist?

who the heck do people think they are to call people names like that?

i pay taxes and i have a right to disagree with the president just like i have with the last 3 i have known and been allowed to vote on.

that is my right. does not make me anything but an american. you do not have the right to tell accuse anyone of being a racist just because they disagree with the president.

funny how some loves to call names and just pull insults out of the air thinking they know it all. also seems funny how those that do they name calling act like they are just so perfect.

funny how all these people love to call others names but have never done anything but sit on their butts whiles others work to make things better.

got to go now. have to travel down an ied filled road. enjoy the cheap seats mr. carter.

Posted by: ChristianSchultz | September 16, 2009 10:08 AM

Charges of racism are serious, and have grave implications for the life of our nation. So to make them without any rational basis, to merely assert them rather than argue them with supporting evidence, is irresponsible, to put it kindly.

As if there were no other plausible motivation for opposing President Obama? Whether your sympathies are Left, Right, or Middle, it's simply a fact that President Obama's policies are Left, and there are people in this country who are Right. Do they not have the right to oppose his policies without being accused of racism with no other evidence except that they oppose the Black President?

Maybe the thinking is that because people are so intense in their opposition, it proves racism as the motive. But anyone who reads the papers knows that America has been extremely polarized politically for decades. Does the intensity of opposition to Clinton and Bush prove racism? You who think so, have you really listened to the intensity and personal nature of the opposition to Bush in particular? Sadly, this is just where we are as a nation right now, and we don't need to throw around charges of racism when the same phenomenon occurs from Right to Left that we've seen from Left to Right.

How, I would like to know, are people supposed to indicate disagreement with this President or any future Black President? Or are we to cease being a Republic now? Are Left policies to be automatically privileged when advanced by a Black President? These are legitimate questions when intense opposition to President Obama is taken prima fascie as racism.

And how are we to oppose true racism, which I believe is still a real problem in this country, when the term is used capriciously and with no legitimate basis, as a political expedient?

President Carter, and others who speak as he does on this subject, are doing a grave disservice to this country, and an even graver disservice to African-Americans, the very people President Carter so piously claims to be supporting.

Posted by: mark51 | September 16, 2009 10:07 AM

For Carter to say this garbage, completely negates everything that Dr. King died for.

Posted by: jim000122 | September 16, 2009 10:04 AM

Ex-President Carter:
As my father-in-law used to say,
"It's better to keep your mouth closed and have people think you are a fool rather than to open it and remove all doubt".
By the way, I think your record as "Worst President in Modern Times" is about to be eclipsed. Oh well, I guess records are made to be broken.

Posted by: edfromtexas | September 16, 2009 10:01 AM

I didn't vote for Obama, but Repubs refusal to send their kids to school to avoid hearing Obama's message - was a BIG wakeup call for me!
Then I saw 9/12 protestors with racist signs.
Then Joe Wilson's lone angry outburst of disrespect toward Obama.
And then I remembered Limbaugh's "Obama, the Magic Negro" song - EARLY in the presidential campaign.

MsBaldwin is so correct. I don't know her color, but the fact is that Carter speaks the truth, plain and simple.

The truth hurts, and it is easy to see who blisters the most on these pages.

I say if the shoe fits, wear it.

Posted by: expat2MEX | September 16, 2009 9:58 AM

It seems to me that instead of just pointing to the paragraph and verse of where it is stated that the illegal invaders won't be covered by the new health care bill, Pres Carter is throwing the 'smokescreen of racism' to divert from the subject at hand. Did President Obama 'misspeak'? Mr. Wilson was rude, but let's try to stay on point. What does the bill say about illegals? I for one won't be guilt tripped with the 'racism ticket' to deflect from the original subject. This is a fine quote I found this morning from Booker T Washington:

Quote from Booker T. Washington

"There is a class of colored people who make a business of keeping the troubles, the wrongs, and the hardships of the Negro race before the public. Some of these people do not want the Negro to lose his grievances, because they do not want to lose their jobs. There is a certain class of race-problem solvers who don't want the patient to get well."

I say well stated, Mr. Washington

Frankie6 says this fine morning, 'Let's all take a deep breath,keep it real and remember that tolerance is a two way street' Good Day...

Posted by: frankie6 | September 16, 2009 9:56 AM

I simply cannot comprehend why right-wingers are SOO incapable of understanding all but the most superficial arguments. It bears repeating for all you people who have only sophmoric reasoning capacities that the claim of racism is not based on the fact that you dissent. It is based on the nature, viriulence, extremism and nastiness of your dissent. I will repeat for the simple-minded, it's not the fact that you disagree that makes you a racist, it's the fact that you disagree in a way that is so profoundly mean-spirited and hateful that makes you a racist! It's one thing to challenge the way health care reform is paid for. That's fine. It's another thing altogether to accuse the President of trying to create death panels and compare him to someone who murdered 6 million jews and killed countless others. If you are too stupid or too evil to understand the difference, then you really are beyond redemption. It is NOT playing the race card to call out racist comments. If you make inflamatory, hate-filled statements that you would never make if the President were white, then you are a racist, no matter what the basis of your dissent may be. If the right-wingers could tone down the nasty, mean-spirited tenor of their rhetoric, maybe the rest of America would listen. But right now, all they are about is tearing down the President, and no matter how they claim to the contrary, that is all about hating the man himself, NOT his policies.

Posted by: October10S | September 16, 2009 9:56 AM

Carter pisses you Huckabees off because he has the balls to tell the truth. The base of the lily white G0P is racist.

All you can do is parrot:
"the tattered old race card" and "socialism" over and over and over again like you have been hypnotized by Mormon Elder Glenn Beck, Karl Rove and the collection of Irish Catholic bigots on RNC Fox News.

Simply parroting that others are playing "the tattered old race card" does not make you any less racist in the eyes of Jesus.

Posted by: coloradodog | September 16, 2009 9:49 AM

Repubs are just full of hot air.. they are harmless gullible fools being used to push a corporate agenda which will come back and bite them in the butt when they or a family member gets sick.. the Secret Service is paying close attention to these fools and are awaiting the day when they can blast a bunch of them straight to hell.

Posted by: VietVet68 | September 16, 2009 9:49 AM

You would have be way out in right field somewhere to deny Joe Wilson's racist past. Joe was one of only 7 legislators to vote against removing the confederate flag from the top of SC capital building. He is a member of a confederate white supremacist group. He is a loyal prodigy of Strom Thurmond, the most famous racist in the history of the South. He called the truth about Strom's illegitimate black child a "smear" even though the Thurmond family readily confirmed it as the gospel. There is just too much history here to ignore.

Posted by: RoyFan | September 16, 2009 9:46 AM

If I was Mr. Carter, and thank God I'm not, I would just shut up. This president may finally eclipse Carter for worst president honors, so just let him continue to screw up this country and Carter will lose his unique place in US History. I can appreciate his dilemma this poses: worst president or a hosed country, which is better?

Posted by: stvcar | September 16, 2009 9:45 AM

No civilemik...Mr. Carter is not trying to start a 'race war', comments like yours incite race wars. As a White American, Mr. Carter is telling it as it is...THE TRUTH about where we stand today in race relations... and how having the first African American President has affected and brought out ill feelings in White America. Maranatha-Maranatha!

Posted by: MsBaldwin | September 16, 2009 9:43 AM

for the younger readers..... if you've ever wondered why Carter was a one-term President, reading his recent comments about racism will help you understand it. He was and still is so very much out of touch with reality.

Posted by: ohboy3 | September 16, 2009 9:42 AM

What exactly does Carter base this view on? In fact, he provides no basis other than what he thinks or his experience with people in the south. Racism is awful and should never be tolerated. But let's not use it as a means to get what we want out of the political system. Many people disagree with the President on various issues. They should be permitted to voice their disagreements without being labeled a racist. That is what our political system was based on. While what Wilson did was wrong in so many ways, President Carter owes him an apology for basically calling him a racist with no valid proof of that.

Posted by: Dakota6 | September 16, 2009 9:41 AM

"Jimmy Carter had the country within $60 million of a balanced budget when he left office"

Talk about revisionist history!!!

In 1980, Carter's last year in office,inflation rose to 16%, the deficit tripled to $75b, and interest rates rose to 20%.

What planet were you living on???

Posted by: boosterprez | September 16, 2009 9:40 AM

Yes, that's right. We're such a racist nation that we even elected a black President.

Good to know Carter is still the braindead failure he's always been ...

Posted by: wbc1 | September 16, 2009 9:38 AM

Clearly, one of the least respected Presidents of all time is on to something here.

Russ Feingold and Jay Rockefeller had best heed Jimma's warnings. Both have recently been quoted as opposing key provisions of pending health care legislation. Rockefeller has even gone into very dangerous territory --- for a liberal --- claiming the Baucus bill would levy a heavy tax on coal miners.

Everyone knows the history of West Virginia's racial politics, as well as the fact that most coal miners are white. Rockefeller has finally displayed the deep racism streak he has been hiding all these years.

We need to hold obvious racists such as Rockefeller accountable. Thanks for some great observations, Jimma!!

Posted by: Curmudgeon10 | September 16, 2009 9:37 AM

Jimmy Carter doesn't know me, for God's
sake, it isn't racism, as far as i am concerned it is where obama is taking this country, into deficits so large we will never get out of it. he keeps adding day by day. I happen to know there were a lot of blacks at the rally. you radical libs are morons and not smart morons, just dumb morons.
Racist no: common sense YES

Posted by: jdeldin | September 16, 2009 9:35 AM

Suspend for a moment whether you agree or disagree with President Carter, and whether each of these posts agrees or disagrees, and just look at the tone of these comments. Which ones are reasoned? Which ones are vitriolic? What does that tell you?

Posted by: dsthoma | September 16, 2009 9:33 AM

The former moderate Republican governor of Virginia, Linwood Holton would agree with Jimmy Carter's assessment. He stated as much in a guest column in my local newspaper about ten years ago. It is obvious on its face that many of those demonstrating are Obama haters. This same group that supported a known adulterer and one born outside our country and professes their Christian ideals while sporting signs that portray pure hatred and yell anti-American statements into microphones ("I hate the United States of America") are neither Christian nor good Americans. Obama was right when he was caught saying that they cling to their religion and their guns. My own conservative pastor preaches about the fact that we should "cling to Jesus." Too bad that neither he nor other conservative hotheads know what this statement really means.

Posted by: EarlC | September 16, 2009 9:32 AM

This jackass carter is trying to start a race war...

Posted by: civilemik | September 16, 2009 9:31 AM

It seems that Colbert King, Maureen Dawd, and former President Jimmy Carter are among the few Americans who have the integrity to speak out against the dangerous bigotry that is taking hold in a significant number of people in America. It takes very little brain power to understand the messages on the signs and in the words at the anti-President Obama gatherings. Also, Jimmy Carter is a wonderful human being; sure wish there were more people like him.

Posted by: BooJa | September 16, 2009 9:31 AM

"White folks will never admit that racism exist in America they will quantify, justify and explain away any actions or inactions that scream racism.

ITS UP TO BLACK AMERICA TO DEFINE WHAT IS RACISM STOP LETTING WHITE FOLKS DICATE WHAT IS A ACT OF RACISM.

STOP WASTING TIME MARCHING AND START BUYING GUNS.

STOP WATCHING BET AND TUNE INTO RUSH AND FOX."

Spoken like a true racist. Racism exists because people want it to and the number of prominent blacks who propagate racism is perverse- Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Rev. Wright, etc., etc, etc. These jerk offs wouldn't even have jobs or voices if they didn't continually stoke the fires of racism. It's amazing how if a white person were to say they didn't vote for Obama because he's black then they're automatically labeled racist yet 90% of blacks who voted for Obama did so BECAUSE he was black and that's not racist?!?!? I don't care what the skin color of our Commander in Chief is, I want someone who will put this country down the right path and to me Obama is NOT that guy. ENOUGH of this leftist BS of playing the race card anytime someone doesn't side with Obama. NEWSFLASH- Obama is a liar and guess what- THEY ALL ARE!! Republican or Democrat they are in it for themselves and their special interests who support (read donate BIG $$)and back them, PERIOD! Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool! Until measures like term limits are put in place for both the House and Senate this will NEVER change. Corruption, greed and power keeps these clowns firmly entrenched no matter what the party affiliation is so WAKE UP PEOPLE!! As for Carter he's as much a mellon head as he was when he was in the White House, just older. Running his mouth like he did was just another way to get his name out front again in the liberal Kool-Aid swilling media.........

Posted by: franklinone | September 16, 2009 9:27 AM

I am an old white guy. I grew up with a yankee mom and a redneck daddy from Louisiana in the 1950's. Mr. Jimmy is speaking the truth. I have witnessed it all my life. I used to believe that the distrust and hatred had dissipated. Gone to the back of the bus as we moved into the 21st century. But over the last year I have heard more and more whites..... nice middle class folks..... talk about "them" and how "they" think they are now in charge. No hoods. No torches. No burning crosses. But extreme, deeply felt unhappiness that there is a black man in the White House. When confronted with the accusation of racism, of course, it is always denied. That is not acceptable in polite society. However, just go to a social gathering and you will quickly here the truth. These folks are often opinion setters in their communities. Reach down a level on the socio-economic scale and you will find there is no pretense. These folks, like my daddy, have always disliked and distrusted blacks and, I am sorry to say, I do not think that will change for generations. I have listened to many pundits in the last few days, especially Republican Party talking pointers. They try to dissuade listeners that there is any racism in Joe Wilson's shout or in the Tea Baggers. "People are just frightened and angry. This is not directed at Obama." That all is probably true. When people are scared they lash out..... especially if they are people that have little education or few skills to equip them for the new century. But, in the end, if you look at the demonstrators, certain congress people like DeMint or Virginia Foxx, and entertainers like Rush, Beckers, Hannity, and O'Reilly, it is hard not to see racism. You have to be in denial with a capitol D. So, Mr. Jimmy, thank you. Maybe your truth will push back the racism enough so that we can proceed to fix what is broken and move into the 21st century.

Posted by: tarryh | September 16, 2009 9:26 AM

Carter represent everything good in White People and a strident defender of everyone's Rights. The Right Wingers on this blog truly were born with an 1820 mindset.
That mindset truly depicts how far behind America is today. Now, America is KILLING people all over the world that don't think White People are Superior.
NOW, let me see, they killed the Indians to take their land, they enslaved and BRED SLAVE FOR chattel, now they have invaded Iraq to kill Saddam and take as much oil as possible in the World's eye, and now, they want to kill Afghanistan that Won't submit to the White Man. 400 hundred years later and the WM is still a Tyrant with a small T/.

Posted by: ftalleyjr1 | September 16, 2009 9:24 AM

Jimmy Carter had the country within $60 million of a balanced budget when he left office. The hostages eventually were returned safe and sound thanks to his brand of diplomacy. He did a lot during a time of economic uncertainly and high inflation. Now we know how much the Federal Reserve controls monetary policy. Jimmy Carter is a true statesman.

Posted by: EarlC | September 16, 2009 9:23 AM

This is not "racism". This is a purely partisan attempt to distract us from the real issues of how this congress and administration has put us in a fiscal hole we cannot climb out of without totally destroying the standard of living of the next generation. They think they can distract us from the fact they are going to ram a healthcare proposal down the throat of the American people that is contrary to the wishes of a large portion of those people.

Carter was the worst President in fifty years until Obama can along. We are witnessing the largest intrusion into the private lives of people and businesses in the history of this nation. We are becoming more and more "socialist" every day. What we are seeing is not "racism", it is outrage over what Congress and the President are doing to are great nation.

We will have the last laugh when we vote them all out of office!

Posted by: AngryMobVoter | September 16, 2009 9:22 AM

Carter was a looser in the late 70's and early 80's and God help him, he hasn't changed in over 30 years.

Posted by: Cowboy11 | September 16, 2009 9:20 AM

Carter was a looser in the late 70's and early 80's and God help him, he hasn't changed in over 30 years.

Posted by: Cowboy11 | September 16, 2009 9:20 AM

It is apparent that the Libs are wanting to stir up a Race War. Their irresponsible use of the old tattered race card will, eventually, fuel the flames of a Race War. That is apparently what they desire. Their antics verge on criminality. Not unlike screaming Fire in a crowded theater.

Posted by: ChangeWhat | September 16, 2009 9:19 AM

It's too convenient for Democrats to constantly play the race card every time there is opposition to President Obama.

Are they saying that whatever Obama does, we should not question it?????

Where is the democracy in that? Where is the accountability?

No one wants to be called a racist. But by injecting race into every debatable issue, we are essentially giving this President a free pass on all things.

That is not what this country should be about.

Posted by: boosterprez | September 16, 2009 9:16 AM

Just WHO brought up the moral ineptitude of RACE in this discussion? WHO shares the reaction never to have happened before?

Posted by: ftalleyjr1 | September 16, 2009 9:14 AM

Libs with their new found civility, faked outrage and sanctimonious crap are comical. Barry does lie and he does it so effortlessly. His history of deception has divided this country. Libs consistently and predictably throwing out their race card to promote their Socialist agenda are fueling the flames of racism. During Barry's campaign he was doing the same and now this idiot Carter is doing the same. Conservatives would support a Black Conservative (Uncle Toms to Libs) any day over a White Lib and have. When Libs have no other coherent defense or when their Cult Leader is challenged, their old tattered worn out race card is whipped out.

Posted by: ChangeWhat | September 16, 2009 9:14 AM

Carter is nothing but a failure. He was goofy when he was president and he is still showing that he is not any better. As long as somoeone is speaking out against the Republicans, everything is just fine, but let one Repub say something about the Democrats and all hell breaks loose. The Democrats can dish it out, but can not take any heat! No one ones gives a damn what color Obama's skin is, but we all care about how he leads. So far, he is not showing any leadership, nothing but the same failed ideas - spend, spend, and spend!! He will be a one termer...just like Carter. The US can not afford a Democrat more than one term at a time.

Posted by: allantx456 | September 16, 2009 9:12 AM

Who is a better critic of white supremacy than a white person?

Posted by: demtse | September 16, 2009 9:08 AM

When responsible leadership guys from the other side join in the trash becomes troll. Pigs, sties and troll.. a saga of blind animosity and evil. The intellectual black hole called "hell" in America, with His Majesty, Lucifer, firmly In-charge..the end result is the slide- down into darkness and obscurity. For whom the bell tolls.

Posted by: mdsubramonia | September 16, 2009 9:07 AM

Carter is a pathetic footnote in American history. Obama and his radical advisors are totally about race and have done more to divide this country than anything in the last 50 years. The Obama camp is in deep trouble as evidenced by their constantly playing the race card. The state-controlled media marches in lockstep, but the people are not fooled by the lies. We're headed for a meltdown.

Posted by: Bearbank | September 16, 2009 9:06 AM

EVERYONE holds some racial bias.

White liberals may wish to compensate for past racism by implementing programs like affirmative action. This a racial bias.

Obama belonged to Trinity which is based more on Black Liberation Theology and Black Value System than Christianity. Their web site has many more references to black than god/jesus. He joined the CBC, he blindly defended Gates, he blocked New Black Panther Party voter intimidation action by his own civil rights lawyers, his inauguration included yellowMellow whiteRight, he favors affirmative action, he married a black woman who is proud for the first time, .... Obama is racially biased to the EXTREME.

Wilson, teaparty, birthers, or GOP may have some bias against Obama as president because of his race, however to say EVERYONE who has a problem with Obama is a racist is insane.

There are good white people like Mr. Carter and there are white trash. White trash are the problem. Unfortunately for unsuspecting people, it is difficult or impossible to figure out which is white trash and which are good white people - so you wade in darkness..The world also wades in darkness...Failed cross-cultural communication and lack of energy/apathy to reach out qualifies the trash. For every other cultural entrant, I can only say, be aware and wade through..with the scientific and probablistic expectation to encounter trash time and again in their own experiences. What a pity to make out of a land of milk and honey. Trash.

Posted by: mdsubramonia | September 16, 2009 9:00 AM

Racism and biggotry can be overt and subconscious and is the product of someone who feels that they are in a place of superiority and power in some way. Wilson's comment itself was not racist. There were a lot of republicans grumbling under their breaths that night as indicated via the footage, but Wilson was the only one that lept to his feet and pointed his finger, while calling the President and out and out liar. Whether he believed in his statemnet is irrelevant. Two parties were involved, congress and the President. So both deserve an apology.

It's the flagrant disregard for respect of the President's office during an address to congress that drives one to question whether or not subconsciously Wilson's biggotted notions (and everyone has these biases)didn't just spill out and manifest themselves in his display. Moreover, his incessant need to NOT make a public apology in lieu of his very public disrespect is indicative of racist tendencies that minorities have endured since the founding of this country. And because there are those who can't see that, that's why racism and disparity still flourish here. Besides, race aside, if a boss or coworker embarrassed you publically, you'd want a public apology too.

Posted by: lidiworks1 | September 16, 2009 8:57 AM

I'm disgusted! 2010!

Posted by: JAH3 | September 16, 2009 8:56 AM

Face it: Some old white guys just can't handle that a black man is President. What's worse for them is how he got there: by being legitimately elected by an overwhelming majority of Americans, including many in traditionally conservative southern states (like NC and Indiana). That means a whole lot of white people -- dare I say the majority -- voted for this black man for President. It's *white* support for Obama that Wilson finds most scary.

No matter what Obama said he would be hated for simply speaking. If it were only about "policy" -- as some like to claim now that their racism has been exposed -- there would not have been the hue and cry over Obama addressing schoolchildren the day before.

That speech was not about policy at all. (Did anyone really think he was ever going to be a policy wonk with 1st graders?) The outrage was all about the speaker, not what was being spoken. If Obama sang "Happy Birthday" to Newt Gingrich they would find something sinister in that.

The speaker is black, therefore he has no legitimacy. End of story. That is the real message of Joe Wilson.

Thankfully, that outburst was the death rattle of a dying set of values.

Posted by: xcrunner771 | September 16, 2009 8:50 AM

Carter is right about race being a factor but like all liberals he has got it wrong. Whites have discovered they have a black president, something obscured by other concerns. Now that O'Bama is failing right and left his color appears more clear. Wilson is being made a black victim, which will cause his stature to rise and rise among white Americans. Carter is allowing himself to be held hostage by the Negro Interest.

Posted by: ravitchn | September 16, 2009 8:48 AM

White folks will never admit that racism exist in America they will quantify, justify and explain away any actions or inactions that scream racism.

ITS UP TO BLACK AMERICA TO DEFINE WHAT IS RACISM STOP LETTING WHITE FOLKS DICATE WHAT IS A ACT OF RACISM.

STOP WASTING TIME MARCHING AND START BUYING GUNS.

STOP WATCHING BET AND TUNE INTO RUSH AND FOX.

Posted by: blkisin | September 16, 2009 8:48 AM

Carter is such an idiot, lol. I can see why he would attempt to defend his second presidency (that's Obama for those of you slow on the historical references).

Posted by: ZZim | September 16, 2009 8:45 AM

Carter didn't say the disagreements were caused by racism. He said the degree to which the disagreements were vitriolic and nasty was fueled by racism. There's a big difference. Carter was right that there is a large group of America that cannot deal with an intelligent, articulate person of color as our elected leader and will do anything from denying his citizenship to worse.

Posted by: moninga1 | September 16, 2009 8:40 AM

There is a lot of hyperbole in many of these comments. President Jimmy Carter did not say all of the opposition to President Obama is "racism" (although that would be convenient to many of the very thin arguments made here.) He stated that there is an overwhelming racist inclination in these opposition protests. Many people are carrying signs of President Obama as a "witch doctor", calling he and his wife out of their names and on top of it cannot clearly articulate one reason they are opposed to his policies (beyond, he's turning America into a socialist state!) By the way -- most of these people throwing the socialism claim have no idea what socialism is or represents.

Furthermore, as an African-American, it is disheartening to see racism coming to the surface of this nation. Please don't think I was ever disillusioned into thinking we live in a post-racial society (which is a bunch of crap). But it is so very interesting to see people so readily embrace these racist tendencies. I disagreed with President Bush on just about every policy he implemented, but never would it have been okay for anyone to disrespect the Office of the Presidency on the floor of the House. The bottomline there is/was a racial subtext to Joe Wilson's outburst, whether you want to believe it or not. (And please, spare me the race card talk. My race is not a game to be played. It is a distinct part of who I am -- not all that I am. Even though in this society, it is all that I am made to be.)

Posted by: DinahS | September 16, 2009 8:39 AM

How did Jimmy Carter ever become President? Time for this has been, incompetent, anti-semite, racist to be put out to permanent pasture on his peanut farm.

Posted by: bb67chev | September 16, 2009 8:36 AM

I am not a Republican, but here are some good reasons that one might oppose the President's policies that don't have anything at all to do with anyone's skin color:

Reason #1: Can't pay for a public option without adding to the debt. It is simply wrong to steal

Reason #2: Where will we find doctors over-night to deal with fifty million new patients WITHOUT 'rationing' or otherwise degrading the health-care for everyone else? Last time I checked, it took nearly a decade to train a doctor and there was already a shortage.

Reason #3: I don't expect our corrupt and greedy government, whether in the grip of the criminal democrats or criminal republicans, to behave any better with the insurance and pharma contractors than they have with the defense contractors.

I could go on and on but the point is that there are myriad reasons outside of race that concern people, and not just about health-care.

Maybe you think all these concerns are bogus or illogical; maybe you have an answer for all of them. That's fine, then. Address them rationally: you might actually bring some people over to your side.

To simply ignore these concerns and defame millions of people as racists is callow and will do your cause no favors.

Posted by: andrew23boyle | September 16, 2009 8:31 AM

The truth hurts.....if it talks likes a racists, protests like a racist, comments on anonymous comment boards like a racist....Its a racist and many on the right are racist....that has always been why they support the RepubliKlans.

Posted by: quavaduff | September 16, 2009 8:30 AM

It seems telling that disagreement can only be caused by racism. It speaks to the intellectual limitations of Carter and those who advance that limited view.

Posted by: Cdgaman | September 16, 2009 8:29 AM

As usual, I don't hear anyone injecting race but lefties..

Posted by: SMWE357 | September 16, 2009 8:27 AM

Williams forgot to ask why 80 percent of the people hated him when he was prez.The guy was a total mistake but considered the smartest president by the mainstream media at that time.This so called recession reminds me of that time in our history.Carter is another socialist that saves his money and uses the money from those of modest income to further his ego.Reagan was a direct result of the carter mistake.Who will it be this time?

Posted by: jmounday | September 16, 2009 8:25 AM

Joe Wilson hated the fact that Strom Thurmond had a racially mixed daughter and denounced her as "smearing" the late senators name. He voted to keep the Confederate flag flying over the South Carolina state house. These are facts. They are history. They speak to the character of a man who called the first black president of the united states a liar while he was addressing congress. If this act was not racially motivated it is up to Joe Wilson to prove it. The evidence is against those who claim it is not.

Posted by: seemstome | September 16, 2009 8:24 AM

andrew23boyle -

You are a racist.

----
WOW!!

You just won whatever argument we were having!

Way to debate!

(You are joking, right? Sarcasm doesn't type well.)

Posted by: andrew23boyle | September 16, 2009 8:24 AM

"I don't think the president believes that people are upset because of the colour of his skin." -Chris Gibbs

The President is the only person acting like an adult about this. Maybe it's an act: I hope not.

President Obama could prove that he is sincere in his desire to move past race by making a speech calling on his allies to quit tarring all the opposition with the racist brush and to start using reason and logic to attempt to persuade their adversaries.

The Republicans, for their part, should take time out to condemn the real racists who DO show up for these rallies and such, make it clear that their behavior is unacceptable, their philosophy anathema and their presence unwanted.

Then maybe the adults can have a real discussion that might solve some of our problems.

Posted by: andrew23boyle | September 16, 2009 8:22 AM

Racism is a fact of life. It can no more be eliminated, than we can ensure that we all love each other. However, I think that when a prominent person, such as President Carter cites racism, in a general manner, as the reason for opposition to President Obama and/or his policies, he does an injustice to his lofty position.

I believe, too, that racism is the motivator for some of those who oppose President Obama, but I am also convinced it is not all about race. It is more about the expectation that President Obama would do what he says and behave in the manner he suggested he would, especially with regard to transparency and his criticisms of the Congress for failure to read the bills that they produce.

I believe too that the objections also relate to the question of his "eligibility" to be President in accordance with Article 2 of the Constitution. While the birth certificate has been put front and centre in this issue, it is not the real issue. The question that fuels this lingering question relates to his parentage. The Constitution does not require the birth certificate of the Presidential candidate, but it may require the birth certificates of the parents of the candidate and/or evidence of naturalization.

This year, questions were raised, before the candidates were named, about the eligibility of both of them. Congress dealt with one, but not the other, so Congress is as much, and perhaps even more responsible for the situation. Now that the Canadian Free Press has recently reported (September12/09) that the eligibility statement required in the submission to Secretaries of State, in the case of the President, did not contain the eligibility assurance statement, the one for Senator McCain did, in all states, while the one for the President may have only existed in the statement sent to Hawaii, the issue may take on another life. I wonder if President Carter and any of the other living presidents would care to comment on this issue.

While there is no excusing the uncivil action of Mr. Wilson in the House, one must also wonder whether or not it is civil for the President to begin his remarks by accusing un-named people in Congress and the media about "lying" and "distorting" his Health Care bill. Could this have influenced the reaction of Mr. Wilson? We may never know, but I doubt we could definitely align his action with racism.

Posted by: CalP | September 16, 2009 8:17 AM

andrew23boyle -

You are a racist.

Posted by: bobmoses | September 16, 2009 8:16 AM

thelaw1 -

You are so right! Republicans would be totally in favor of the public option, cap and trade and higher taxes if Obama was not an African American ;)

Posted by: bobmoses | September 16, 2009 8:14 AM

seemstome -

Bah. As your comments make clear, you think anyone who doesn't share your narrow minded views is a racist, so your ranting about Wilson is irrelvant.

Remember, anyone who doesn't share your intolerant and narrow minded views is a racist. There is no other possibility, because we all know that anyone who criticizes a politician is a racist, right? Unless of course, it is a politician that you want to criticize. Then you are "speaking truth to power".

The bottom line is that you folks are losing the health care debate and the way that you seek to make yourselves feel better is to demonize the folks who don't share your narrow views.

Posted by: bobmoses | September 16, 2009 8:12 AM

Ain't life grand, when we are all classified as racists for thinking liberal policies from a liberal president are bad. I came up with a new song for the occasian.

"I'm a racist, you're a racist, wouldn't you like to be a racist too! Be a racist, Drink the racist kool-aid", then repeat, Sung to the tune of the Dr Pepper commercials.

Are black people that did not like Bush and his policies racist?

Posted by: thelaw1 | September 16, 2009 8:12 AM

Q: Where you will find doctors overnight for 15 million new patients?

A: You're a racist.

Q: How will you pay for a public option without increasing the debt?

A: You're a racist.

Q: Why do you trust the same government that yearly joins with defense contractors to rape the tax-payer in 'defense appropriations' to behave any better with 'pharma' and insurance contractors.

A: You're a racist.

Does anyone else get the idea that they just don't have any real answers?

Posted by: andrew23boyle | September 16, 2009 8:11 AM

CARTER NEVER SAW A DICTATOR HE DIDN'T SUPPORT...
COULD THIS BE WHY HE SUPPORTS OBAMA...

Posted by: DwightCollins | September 16, 2009 8:10 AM

"White People always have wanted to have the best of everything and never wanted to share the best with anyone."

Now that is truly racist statement.

I'll just wait for all of commenters who are so concerned about race criticize you for such blatant racism. Surely people who would accuse millions of people of racism with no evidence would not ignore such a specific and irrefutable example of racism.

Unless of course, they are just hyper-partisan hypocrites who are seeking to demonize any who don't share their narrow minded views.

Posted by: bobmoses | September 16, 2009 8:08 AM

to bobmoses;

No one is debating the fact that Wilson said what he did about Thurmond's daughter. No one is questioning that he wanted the Confederate flag atop the South Carolina state house. No one is questioning that he called the first black president the United States a liar during his address of congress, something that has never been done to any president. No one has ever called a president a liar to his face while he was addressing congress.
The fact that this person did it to this president leads to a very probable conclusion that it was racially motivated.
Joe Wilson is a racist, no lie.

Posted by: seemstome | September 16, 2009 8:05 AM

SarahBB -

"And now, with a straight face, after eight years of watching an American President who either ordered or allowed torture, they say Obama is a demon. "

And now, with a straight face, after eight years of demonizing Bush, liberals say that anyone who disagrees with their President is a racist.

Posted by: bobmoses | September 16, 2009 8:04 AM

Have lived most of my life in the north, but did spend about 10 years, recently, in the south and was in a position that dealt with a wide section of the population. Believe me, there are more people that consider race a factor in the north than in the south. More people who live in Chicago and Baltimore that hate the other race than in the south. So don't go saying the south is full of hate, it just Ain't so.

Posted by: ddy19spider57 | September 16, 2009 8:01 AM

2008 - "Dissent is patriotic"

2009 - "Dissent is racism"

Posted by: bobmoses | September 16, 2009 8:01 AM

Whether racist or calculated, as in calculated to be Sarah Palin's running mate, unhinged is the word that comes to mind. One of the reasons I preferred Obama to Hillary was because of the vapors her name seemed to send certain segments of the right into. And now, with a straight face, after eight years of watching an American President who either ordered or allowed torture, they say Obama is a demon. Thank you and God Bless You, President Carter. It is past time to stop ignoring the crazies because they can do real harm.

Posted by: SarahBB | September 16, 2009 8:01 AM

White People always have wanted to have the best of everything and never wanted to share the best with anyone. They want the best mule, horse, cow, dog, and best slave, and NOW the best Golf Course, and best Hospital, Doctors, with White Only Sign!

Posted by: ftalleyjr1 | September 16, 2009 8:01 AM

IT CAN'T POSSIBLY BE BECAUSE OF OBAMA'S IDIOTIC POLICIES, CAN IT??? IT IS ALWAYS RACE!!!!!!! BUT, WHEN OBAMA OPPOSED McCAIN AND BUSH, THAT WASN'T RACE, NOW WAS IT? WHEN 98% OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY VOTED FOR OBAMA..THAT WASN'T RACE EITHER, NOW WAS IT? THEY LOVED HIS POLICIES...YEAH RIGHT. WHEN OBAMA'S NANNY PRESS TALKED ABOUT MAKING HISTORY DURING THE ELECTION, THEY WEREN'T POSSIBLY SPEAKING OF RACE EITHER, WERE THEY?? I AM SICK AND TIRED OF THIS HYPOCRISY FROM THE LEFT!!! ANYONE WHO OPPOSES OBAMA IS CONSIDERED RACIST!!!!! TOO BAD!!!! THROW YOUR STUPID LABELS AROUND. HE WILL CONTINUE TO BE OPPOSED ON EVERY FRONT!!!!!!

Posted by: mrhonda | September 16, 2009 7:54 AM

JohnAdams1 -

"Obama use of race to try to shield his incompetence will not work"

Don't blame Obama. It is idiot pundits and commenters that are crying race, not him.

(I wonder if any of these hateful race baiters realize what damage they are doing to Obama.)

Posted by: bobmoses | September 16, 2009 7:54 AM

One term governor.
One term president.
Eight term dummy.

Posted by: ej_smug | September 16, 2009 7:54 AM

pumpitup -

"These GOPers who cheer the disrespect of Joe Wilson, who refuse to let their children listen to a speech by Pres. Obama, who oppose Obama's appointment of czars even though every president since Reagan has had czars, and who oppose everything Obama says or does, are doing so purely on racial grounds."

Can you provide any evidence for this hateful claim?

Can you explain what was motivating the liberals "who opposed everything Bush said or did?"

Is there any way that anyone can oppose Obama's policies without hateful people like yourself calling them racists?

Posted by: bobmoses | September 16, 2009 7:52 AM

Former President Carter is exactly right. These GOPers who cheer the disrespect of Joe Wilson, who refuse to let their children listen to a speech by Pres. Obama, who oppose Obama's appointment of czars even though every president since Reagan has had czars, and who oppose everything Obama says or does, are doing so purely on racial grounds. They were SILENT until Obama, our nation's first president of color, was elected. Now suddenly they are enraged and want their country back. They can try to justify it all they want, but anyone with half a brain knows they are nothing but racists. Carter should receive a presidential medal of freedom for calling these bigots out!

Posted by: pumpitup | September 16, 2009 7:48 AM

Obama use of race to try to shield his incompetence will not work

First we had Rev Wright to divert criticism from Obama then we had Henry Louis Gates, When people caught on to
Obama's cries of race and 'don't blame me i'm black' routine he now goes to whites
to yell racism !

this is shameful.

There are more democrats from wisconsin, illinois connecticut massachusetts united against Obama than the south

Posted by: JohnAdams1 | September 16, 2009 7:46 AM

If Jimmy Carter's perception was ever grounded in reality, he might have served a second term. He's now 85 and his opinions are largely irrelevant.

Posted by: mdbeachbum | September 16, 2009 7:45 AM

The left is just embarrassing themselves with this accusing anyone who thinks a little differently of being a racist.

Try to think all the way back to the early 90's when the Clintons tried to reform health-care.

The same objections were raised then that are being raised now. There were marches, demonstrations and protests against it, mostly consisting of white people.

Given our seeming inability to ever vote our the turds in Congress, many of the people who are criticizing Obama today are the VERY same people who critized Clinton a decade and a half ago.

And yet when the SAME people attack President Clinton with the SAME arguments over the SAME issue, no one accused them of being 'racist'.

Why is that? Is it maybe because race has NOTHING to do with this other that in the delusions of those who can explain how we're going to pay for it, where we're going to find the extra doctors when the 'public option' increases the patient rolls by 15% overnight, et cetera.

Nah. If we can't answer them, they must be racists.

Posted by: andrew23boyle | September 16, 2009 7:44 AM

newageblues -

" Could be, but it's crystal clear that it's the Repubs who are trying to turn this into a shouting match instead of a reasoned debate."

Three things:

First, the media focuses on the Republicans who are shouting and utterly ignores those who don't. All the better to elicit comments like the above from people like yourself.

Second, plenty of liberals turned it into a "shouting match" during the Bush years. This is nothing new.

Third, calling people racists for disagreeing with Obama has become common among liberals. Is this any better than engaging in a "shouting match"? Spare me the hypocrisy.

Posted by: bobmoses | September 16, 2009 7:44 AM

Bob Moses says "So much easier to call someone a racist than it is to debate issues, huh?" Could be, but it's crystal clear that it's the Repubs who are trying to turn this into a shouting match instead of a reasoned debate.

Posted by: newageblues | September 16, 2009 7:39 AM

seemstome -

Despite your stupid straw man argument, nobody is claiming that racism doesn't exist. It does among all races.

However, attempts by unthinking partisans like yourself to claim that anybody who disagrees with your own narrow minded views is a racist is pathetic and offensive.

Posted by: bobmoses | September 16, 2009 7:38 AM

Usually its the racists who constantly raise the race card or accusation.

Posted by: WmJLePetomane | September 16, 2009 7:35 AM

Of course it is racist. That is the new tactic, if you disagree with Obama in any way or dare not to believe every word he says you are a racist.

What a great tactic to shut up opposition!

Posted by: kathymac1 | September 16, 2009 7:26 AM

I agree with Carter, except in 1 sense, and that is that he singled out "white people" as being prejudiced against Obama because of Obama's race. I know a number of Asians and Hispanics here in southern California who are a lot more prejudiced toward African Americans than any white whom I know in this area.

Posted by: paul65 | September 16, 2009 7:25 AM

I don't think it's any big surprise that Democrats are playing the race card. Anyone paying attention to the presendential race in 2008 should know that as soon as Obama gets in trouble it gets played. When you think about it the race card is a wonderful tool. Whenever someone doesn't agree with you or your policies you whip it out and it shuts down all arguments.

Posted by: RobT1 | September 16, 2009 7:23 AM

As if what Jimmy Carter says really matters. In Carter's warped mind, Israel wouldn't exist because it doesn't have a right to defend itself.

Wilson actions were wrong. But, Obama, knowing the DEMS in Congress blocked legislation strengthening enforcement of no health care to illegal aliens should have NEVER brought it up in his speech.

Posted by: johnnyapplewhite123 | September 16, 2009 7:19 AM

There were no racists in the recent Washington D.C. demonstrations against Obama.
There are no racists in congress especially
Joe Wilson.
There are no racists posting here.
Racism in America disappeared when Obama became president.

If only it were true. We wouldn't be posting here about this topic now.

No, that is what you really wanted Joe Wilson to say to fulfill your mindless fantasies that anyone who dares not share your political opinions must be a bad person.

So much easier to call someone a racist than it is to debate issues, huh?

Posted by: bobmoses | September 16, 2009 7:09 AM

to Computer_Forensics_Expert_Computer_Expert_Witness

No, YOU lie. You care very, very much about skin color and it shows. The Africanization of all references to Obama are uncalled for unless you hold Africans in contempt. If you want to disguise your racism then you are going to have to work harder at it.

Posted by: seemstome | September 16, 2009 7:06 AM

CARTER 85 year old idiot

OVOMIT -YOU LIE!

ENOUGH SAID!

Posted by: Sparky15 | September 16, 2009 7:02 AM

DonGelt -

"The new racism is not so much using the n-word and outright hatefulness, it's more the constant barage of disrespect, slander, and mislabeling of policies and positions."

And this didn't happen to Bush? Along with the outright hatefulness?

You liberals are such absurd hypocrites.

Posted by: bobmoses | September 16, 2009 7:02 AM

Jergen -

"I didn't like all of Mr. Bush's policies, however, I would have never shouted at him or put up a poster saying negative things."

Yeah, but plenty of liberals did. Did you care about that then?

Posted by: bobmoses | September 16, 2009 7:00 AM

smart_sha-

"Why would they call him Indonesian Muslim Thug?"

The same reason liberals called Bush a fascist and the same reason that you call those who don't share your narrow minded views a racist: because mindless partisans love ad hominem attacks.

Just grow up and admit that mindless partisans come in both liberal and conservative flavors. You are the liberal flavor.

Posted by: bobmoses | September 16, 2009 6:58 AM

The new racism is not so much using the n-word and outright hatefulness, it's more the constant barage of disrespect, slander, and mislabeling of policies and positions. South Carolina seems to be ground zero. I pray for the southern white man to find some enlightenment and brotherhood and let go of the hate. We should all want the government to work well for us - provide maximum service for a set low taxrate - a taxrate that by the way is much lower than other western countries. If we can resolve our military issues around the world that will be billions more for domestic and infrastructure programs.
Come on Carolinians! You can do better...

Posted by: DontGetIt | September 16, 2009 6:58 AM

I don't think everyone who disagrees with Mr. Obama is racist. However, I do feel there are individuals who oppose him and any policies he has because of the color of his skin. It was sad to see some of the posters at the rally this weekend. If you have any kind of heart, I don't think you could go out and put that type of stuff on a poster about anyone...especially the President!

I'm ashamed of the people and media! I can't imagine what people around the world are saying about us.

Saying things like "Take our Country Back" is ridiculous. What does that mean? Calling him a "Lying African". Wow!

I didn't like all of Mr. Bush's policies, however, I would have never shouted at him or put up a poster saying negative things.

How else can you explained why parents didn't want the President to speak to kids. There are programs going on everyday in schools and I've never heard a parent get upset because someone was coming into the schools.

I only hope that we as a country can come together and express our concerns about how things are getting out of control.

Posted by: Jergen | September 16, 2009 6:56 AM

What a disgrace this whole line of attack is. Liberals seem to forget how they treated Bush. What a bunch of stinking hypocrites.

Maybe someday, one of these angry and intolerant liberals will provide some evidence for their hateful claims of racism. In the meantime, they just come off like illogical and intolerant partisans who need to demonize anyone who does not share their narrow minded views.

Posted by: bobmoses | September 16, 2009 6:56 AM

Joe Wilson criticized Strom Thurmond's daughter by a black woman as "smearing" Thurmond's memory for revealing Thurmond as her father. Apparently Wilson, who once worked for Thurmond, thought it beneath his former boss to have had sexual relations with a black woman. He retained this position even after Thurmond's family came out in support of Essie Mae Washington-Williams' claim that Strom Thurmond was her father. Joe Wilson also fought to keep the Confederate flag over the state house in South Carolina.
These are not the actions of someone who believes in equality for all races. It is the institutional racism of the south that still exists to a great degree in Joe Wilson's mind. Joe Wilson didn't want to say "you lie", he really wanted to say "you ni##er".

Posted by: seemstome | September 16, 2009 6:49 AM

Race baiting has been used by conservatives forever. Wilson,and the others are just running a variant on the "nigr'a question" strategy common in the south in early and mid twentieth century.

Incompetence is like "friends of a feather." A look down memory lane will show that Mr. sunshine, James Earl Carter, was a one-term President who had high inflation, unemployment, an embassy seized and hostages taken and an incompetent staff that ever existed in the White House. He was also declared the "People's President."

Today we have the same-o, same-o. We the People, aren't buying it. With television, "Tweets," e-mail, and social networking, we pick- up material faster than we did in 1978.

If race is a factor, then Montel Williams is far more qualified and capable to be President than the King Obambi.

I suggest that the former idiot-in-chief go back to Plains, GA and keep building houses on trash dump sites, just like his administration was based upon.

If not for Ronald Reagan, we'd not have invested in integrated circuit technology where every person can afford a personal computer or cellular telephone.

Think about it. Carter- the prime rate hit 21% and unemployment was at 8%+. With Reagan it dropped like a rock. Why? It's called money for capital investment and JOBS, something King Obambi wants to take away.

It looks like racism to me. If not racism then a great deal of disrespect. The majority of the pundits and opposition to current leadership never engage in real debate. It is most often a one sided debate. If the opposing view is represented it it generally for the purpose of ridicule. However, the conservative media regularly employs this coverage and calls it journalism. Perhaps those who oppose BarackObama would be willing to share the unsavory emails they receive from those with similair views. I am sure many of the emails contain racist content. I noticed in the crowd in Washington on 9/12 several racist posters. Interstingly, I did not see or hear of anyone opposing the display of racism. Perhaps the protestor thought it was a clan meeting and no one wanted to disappoint the individual or individuals by pointing out that the gathering was to protest tax inreases and health care reform. I am not sure what the 9/12 protestors want their children to learn from this. Also, so what's is this Nazi issue and where does it belong in this debate?If persons want to protest Nazis perhaps they should direct their engergies toward white supremist groups. We have alot on the table at this time and it has nothing to do with Nazism. Perhaps a respectful debate around real issues will be the focus in the future.

The whole, "you lie," issue is in itself remarkable, coming from groups and individuals who do not support their comments with fact checks. For example, at present several conservative media hosts claim thatthe crowd at the 9/12 was 2 million?? Is it necessary to stretch the truth?

I agree that the liberal media also engagesin one sided debates. However as a Country(one Nation under God) we need to begin to act with civility and teach our children how to make change in ways that reflect the values so dearly embraced. It is time to quit acting ugly and start acting like we really do care for each other.

Posted by: Woodinge | September 16, 2009 4:35 AM

I think President Carter is absolutely right in his opinions, not to say all those who are against President Obama are racists. Some are against Obama because of his plans to reform Healthcare & the finacial institutions, which would create transparency and accountability. I do think the level of hate,vitriol and anger being displayed by the "I want my country back" mob, "the Obama is a foreigner and therefore is not legally President" crackpots are surely the part of the GOP that cannot accept that the USA has a Black President. Racism is still alive and well in America, but thankfully only in the minds of a bigoted few.

Posted by: wave06 | September 16, 2009 3:51 AM

Jimmy Carter is an old man displaying signs of age related dementia. Rather sad a former American president would make such a fool of himself, even if caused by his being age addled.

I feel compassion for the poor old boy.

Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation
Puma Politics

Posted by: PurlGurl | September 16, 2009 3:11 AM

Even Alan Dershowitz thinks Carter has no integrity. This article is a MUST READ:

It pains me to say this, but I now believe that there is no person in American public life today who has a lower ratio of real to apparent integrity than Jimmy Carter. The public perception of his integrity is extraordinarily high. His real integrity, it now turns out, is extraordinarily low. He is no better than so many former American politicians who, after leaving public life, sell themselves to the highest bidder and become lobbyists for despicable causes. That is now Jimmy Carter's sad legacy.

Posted by: jjd1965 | September 16, 2009 2:37 AM

It seems Mr. Jimmy Carter thinks he an authority of racism just because he got a Nobel prize for peace. The man has lost it. He's seeking to polarize our country with rubbish. How does he know whether or not Mr. Joe Wilson is a racist. Have your actually met Mr. Wilson, Prsident Carter? Is Mr. Wilson racist against white people? You do know that President Obama is of mixed heritage, having been raised by his white mother. His father, a nice gentleman from Kenya, left Barack at a tender age. Why has Mr. Obama never acknowleged the fact that he's of mixed heritage. He's not completely black. There is no shame in being of mixed heritage. Is President Obama ashame of being half-white? Mr. Carter is simply pandering. How can you ascribe racism to a person simply because he was using the same language that President Obama repeatedly used during his speech. So, should we say Mr. Obama is a racist against white people who criticized his policies, ideas and actions. My God. Mr. Obama is supposed to unit our country; not to polarize it, as the Democrats have done by their hypocritical actions. They have let power get to their head and are acting like dictators.

Posted by: philhwee | September 16, 2009 2:22 AM

AN INTERNAL AFFAIR?

But how many of the racists are in the vast bureaucracy, fomenting a climate of hate, perhaps grooming a legion of potential Manchurian Candidates?

Team Obama needs to unmask and rout the saboteurs and Dr. Strangeloves before their high-tech treachery bears its bitter fruit.

Hahaha... obama snubbed carter during his inauguration. Why is the worst president in 50 years trying to insert himself into a discussion that is none of his business? Simple, carter's still trying to overcome all of his presidential failures and keep his name in the media in a positive light.

Posted by: jay1900 | September 16, 2009 12:31 AM

Carter is projecting his own feelings towards blacks onto others.

Posted by: WylieD | September 16, 2009 12:29 AM

I made this observation more than a month ago. It is plainly obvious among many of these people you are seeing in the TEA party movement that racism is at the core. Same with the birthers. Obama looks too "un-american" to them. They can't accept the fact that someone with dark skin is in charge of america. I witnessed the same thing during the election. I live in Ohio, what could be considered moderate. But I live in SOUTHERN Ohio... where the mindset of many is still stuck in the past. Racism is blatant in some quarters here... many will hate Obama no matter what he does.

Posted by: redkattseven | September 16, 2009 12:26 AM

Anti-terrorism programs used to fight an ideological/hate-based civil war on unjustly targeted Americans?

Is this the same Jimmy Carter who voted against allowing a black man to join his Georgia church?

Well, I suppose that does make him an expert on racism.

Posted by: WylieD | September 16, 2009 12:15 AM

"I'm not going to use the federal government's authority deliberately to circumvent the natural inclination of people to live in ethnically homogeneous neighborhoods. . . . I have nothing against a community that's made up of people who are Polish or Czechoslovakian or French-Canadian or blacks who are trying to maintain the ethnic purity of their neighborhoods."

--Jimmy Carter, 1976

Posted by: EliPeyton | September 16, 2009 12:04 AM

Gotcha, not racist b/c you disagree with Obama and his policies. I am curious where the calling out of true racists and those who are against Obama because of his race comes from? Is it the left or the right? Because it would have more impact and be more meaningful if it came from the conservative right.

Posted by: Whatawahtwhat | September 16, 2009 12:03 AM

President Carter is just stating the obvious...something I said and strongly suggested myself, a few days back...before anyone in the media began to come out and speak of this possibility! The pictures and the signage at the "Tea Party" gatherings...they have repeatedly shown the face of the evil that lurks within...racism and racists are part of this movement. No that is NOT to say that all these people are racists, or that everyone that disagrees with President Obama is...and Carter I'm sure did not say that, either!
But you can not look at these signs and poster images and hear some of the spoken words from those involved and NOT HEAR and SEE for yourself what is clearly THERE! It is sad and horrible for OUR Country that some still persist to feel this way - THEIR protesting is NOT against what he wants to do, what the legislation is, etc. - they clearly strongly object to WHO he is - and that is based on his COLOR!
I totally objected to WHO W. was - but I never acted out - NOR made up the disgusting posters, etc. that you see from these people!
So you know that this is a DEEP SEATED - LONG STANDING hatred; and it is not about a President who has held office for around seven months TOTAL! Have a CLUE people - if YOU DENY then you SIR or MA'AM would surely be the LIAR!!!

Posted by: rbarry13 | September 16, 2009 12:01 AM

President Obama is averaging 4X as many death threats per month as any other president in history according to the Secret Service. That says a lot about the supposed post-racial society we live in.

Posted by: onifadee | September 15, 2009 11:58 PM

Carter is not specifically mentioning Joe Wilson. He is making a general observation based on his experience. Its validity needs to be examined.

Posted by: DrCha | September 15, 2009 11:53 PM

Maybe we should give fair consideration to Carter's point of view? After all, it takes a vile racist, like Jimmy, to know a racist. However, it does take some intellectual capacity to be accurate about such a serious accusation. So, as Roseanne Roseannadanna would say, "Never mind!"

Posted by: Americanus | September 15, 2009 11:48 PM

Jimmy Carter's intervention is not helpful. What Joe Wilson did was ridiculous and I'm glad he was rebuked by the House. However, unless you know the guy and are certain of his motives, how can the charge of racism be made so lightly? It's a stupid comment.

Just because some people across the country really do hate Obama because of his race (maybe in Georgia a lot of people?), it doesn't mean all opponents of Obama need to get the label. I really think most conservatives don't like him because he's perceived by them as being too left-wing. I don't believe he is, and believe he's going to turn out to be a good president, but to each his own opinion.

But one way to sink his presidency is to try to discern the hearts and minds of all of his opponents and label them as racist. It would be political death for the GOP to attack Obama on the race issue, which is why I don't think this is the root cause.

What Joe Wilson thinks in his heart is of no concern to anyone else. Given the truly racist speeches made in the House over 200 years, we're lucky that there is such restraint nowadays (and Wilson was sanctioned). That might not seem like a perfect situation, but perfection is a long way off in America, so let's be content with the advances which have been made.

Posted by: Matthew_DC | September 15, 2009 11:46 PM

So now if I have a difference of opinion with a black man or woman I am a racist. If this is the case I will no longer vote for anyone of color then I won't have to disagree with them, so sad and I thought we were making progress

Posted by: rlkidd58 | September 15, 2009 11:45 PM

Are we suppose to be afraid of the word racist? It is such an over-used word it hardly means anything anymore. You can only cry wolf so many times and then people just quit hearing you. Also, I for one am not afraid of the word racist. Call me it all day long...so what? Now prove it...good luck.

Posted by: ssol4569 | September 15, 2009 11:43 PM

SCV:

Thank you for an argument that didn't involve calling someone names. While I disagree that we are heading towards socialism, at least your concerns are substantive.

Just a quick question, if you were the President, would you have let the auto industry fail? (I suspect I know your answer, but am sure you can answer for yourself) I will tell you that the job is more than I could handle, and having tough skin (no matter what party hold the office) must be an understatement.

Posted by: ctwallace73 | September 15, 2009 11:43 PM

I think that Carter is doing the country a great disservice by attributing racism as the reason Americans are disagreeing with Obama. While there may be SOME who have racial bias against him, there are a great number of Americans who are disinclined toward the liberal direction he is taking the country, who have fiscal, philosophical, and political differences with the agenda. Just because we do not agree does not mean we are racist. But by playing the race card, the Democrats do not have to acknowledge the real reason that Americans disagree with them. Perhaps when the elections of 2010 and 2012 conclude the reasons will be clearer to them.

Posted by: bcullum | September 15, 2009 11:36 PM

I am of Hispanic origin, female and mulato or mixed race like President Obama. I oppose his policies strongly because under the excuse of helping to curtail another great depression,his administration is systematically leading the USA toward a government and union controlled economy. The Federal government is the larger shareholder in the finance, auto, and insurance industries. The federal government is the main mortgage holders. With health care the government will consolidate its control of all major sectors of the USA economy, bringing the USA to the same government system as France, Italy, and other Western Europe countries as well as China and Latino America. That is not the USA I love. I am a nationalized citizen of this great nation. I have first hand experience living in countries where the central government control key sectors of the economy (manufacturing, energy, utilities, finance, health care) and I know it these economies are not worth imitating. President Obama and his administration want to socialize the the USA. This is their agenda and I oppose it with all my heart. Am I racist?

SCV

Posted by: scv3456 | September 15, 2009 11:34 PM

Jimmy Carter - you are disgusting!
Do you know Joe Wilson? NO you don't. Those who know him says that he is NOT a racist. Maybe you don't like your own race Mr. Carter. Maybe you have an axe to grind as you unfortunately are not very revered as an ex-president. It seems to me that you should have gained a little wisdom in all of these 85 years of yours.

Actually you are feeding this racist war. Just because we disagree on views with the president has nothing to do with racism. How many blacks disagreed with republican leaders .... did we call them racists ??
Shame on you also for turning your back on Israel, our strongest ally. Most Baptists I know are pro-Israel .... What kind of a Baptist are you anyway ?

Did I hear you or anyone else call Kanye West a Racist because he so rudely grabbed the mike out of Taylor Swift's hand.
I heard NO Whites even suggest that. SHOULD we NOW START ???
Sounds as though you are more racist minded than anyone I know. Incidentally, I would love to have Alan Keyes for president .... and so would many other whiteys. It's all about character, you know???

Posted by: JillnJack | September 15, 2009 11:30 PM

Jimmy Carter is old and senile - and living somewhere other than earth. Who gives a rat's behind what he thinks. People have a right to say what they want, even if others don't agree, but in this case it appears as if some are attempting to play the race card as fast and furious as they can to incite hate. I don't get it and I'm tired of it. To all the people of color if you want people to stop counting and putting you in this little box and that little box, you need to do so for yourselves. If you want to be part of the American society - be it. You keep insisting on affirmative action policies instead of merit. Instead of always screaming "racist" maybe might it be only disagreement.

Posted by: abijhan | September 15, 2009 11:28 PM

Here we go again, the race card. People do not like President Obama - it must be racism; don't like his policies - it must be racism; speak out for what you think is right - must be racism.

Well guess what - it is our given right not to have to like anyone, believe in what they say or what policies they craft and it is not racism but the American way of life.

If that makes me a racist also, then that is your label but I am not changing the way I think to please anyone - especially to Jimmy "I lust in ma heart and I won;t come out of the rose garden" Carter. The best thing he did with his life is lose his re-election by being so spineless.

Posted by: zendrell | September 15, 2009 11:17 PM

Obviously it would be ridiculous to suggest - if anyone were - that all opposition to Obama is motivated by racism.

It's equally ridiculous to suggest that none of the opposition to Obama is motivated by racism.

We all acknowledge that there are white supremacists in America. We all know that they hate Obama. Ergo there are people who hate Obama because he's black.

The question is, is Wilson one of them? And the evidence strongly suggests that he is.
The entire S.C. Republican establishment in which Wilson grew up only became Republican in the first place because they couldn't accept desegregation and Voting Rights.

Wilson is a member of the "Sons of Confederate Veterans".
In 2000, when the S.C. State Senate passed a bill to remove the the Stars n' Bars from the top of the State House dome by a majority vote of 36 to 7, Wilson was one of the seven.

Wilson's mentor and hero is Strom Thurmond, who said: "..there's not enough troops in the army to force the Southern people to break down segregation and admit the nigra race into our theaters, into our swimming pools, into our homes, and into our churches."

It's possible that Wilson isn't a racist. But only a fool would put money on it.

As for the left nut comment - thank you for that, it made me laugh. since you have no idea who i am, i don't take personally (and probably wouldn't regardless)

Sorry, if I don't return the favor ...

Posted by: ctwallace73 | September 15, 2009 11:07 PM

This coming from one of THE worst Presidents in history. Carter should keep his mouth shut since he only opens it to change feet anyway. Look at when he went to the mideast. Against the President's wishes. He has no regard for the office since he isn't in it anymore. A totally disgusting man. Remember 24% interest courtesy of Carter.

Posted by: lace_stockings | September 15, 2009 11:05 PM

To Longbow:

Thank you.
I will, and have been. This will never be a socialist country. I'm content in that fact.

Posted by: ctwallace73 | September 15, 2009 11:02 PM

CTWallace Said:
I actually said 'until your party is more than JUST whites" -- just so you quote me correctly.
--
Thanks, I'm glad you accurately cited your racist views.

BTW - if you can't name 3 prominent blacks, you're in trouble. It doesn't say much for the left, considering your leader has staked you one.

If you can't name 3 prominent Republican blacks, then you're just not trying...but then again, it wouldn't fit your Left Nut thought process.

Posted by: dnara | September 15, 2009 11:01 PM

It is really good to see this discussion going on. Yes, it may be acrimonious but we will probably have a more peaceful tomorrow if we bring this out into the open. Jimmy Carter has helped to bring this question up front and center.

I do have a question for some of the more defensive readers: If the wackier members of our society are accused of being racist, why do you feel you have to defend yourself?

Posted by: lindaandeilenah | September 15, 2009 10:59 PM

I want to know how much of Carter's comments were coordinated with the Democratic Party and with President Obama.

I also hope that the media will ask this of Mr. Gibbs at tomorrow's White House briefing.

And if the President has another press conference instead of another speech, I hope there is a reporter intrepid enought to question him about whether he thinks opposition to him and his policies is racist.

In my view, Jimmy Carter playing the race card for Obama is dumber than the president weighing in on the dispute between the policeman and the Harvard professor.

On the other hand, the White House could throw one heck of a kegger to talk this one out among the different parties.

Posted by: jakeeaton | September 15, 2009 10:59 PM

The truth in the following statement is the liberal Democrats and those passing affirmative action legislation believe the African-American race is inferior to the competing whites. Why else would it continue to provide affirmative action, racial quotas, entitlement, welfare and a boost or leverage on every level of business and government in a free society if they did not think they would do well and prosper on their own merits and intelligence? Posted by: longbow65 | September 15, 2009 10:20 PM

This statement right here should tell people everything they need to know. Considering the treatment towards our President and the First lady which has been unprecedented but you people continue to deny what is right in front of your face.

Despite what people think about affirmative action the one thing black people have always known and been subjected to was much higher standards. Black people have always had to work harder and produce more and still not be given credit espicially in corporate America. President Obama has been subjected to this when you consider the constant criticism he has received in the mere eight months he has been in office. We have seen with this with the previous administration and even the Republican nominee for President McCain and Palin his VP choice, Republicans prefer mediocrity. They completely dismiss the achievements of our current President and try to make people believe he is unqualified but hold up a person who took six years and five schools to graduate with an undergraduate degree.

Then reading these post and listening to people vilify President Carter for his words, WOW..... Of course though we are facing reality and know the negativity, bad boorish behavior will continue. It will be so good to see these people continue to grasp at the smallest slight that the can build up and whine about. Meanwhile President Obama will go about performing the duties of the President Of the United States making the majority of us proud.

If you are happy with Obama’s actions, true ideals, transparency as a leader and direction he is driving this country, defend him to the death. That would be the honorable thing. No one wants you on the right side if you do not belong there in your heart.

Posted by: longbow65 | September 15, 2009 10:48 PM

Good thing come to those that speak up.
First, a body which has the distinguish honor of having a 75% disapproval rating by the American people stamps its disapproval on Wilson; which automatically gives him a 75% approval of the American people. If that is not enough, Carter the Prince of Foolishness, calls him a racist. What a perfect day for Wilson. At this rate all these "people" will make him a President.

Posted by: JohnGalt9 | September 15, 2009 10:47 PM

" ... just another old guy's best guess."

While it's true he doesn't know what's in people's hearts, it's a little more than a guess, in part b/c he's an "old guy." He's seen a lot in his 85 years in the south, and he knows the people here.

We've come a long way, but there's a ways to go.

I think Maureen Dowd hit upon it: Obama represents some white southerners' worst nightmare. An overpowering federal government with a black man at the head.

And she failed to add: A black man, who is in their minds, ready to legalize illegal Latinos.

Note the one issue in the 1,000+ page health care bill that pushed normally "mild-mannered" Joe Wilson over the top.

Posted by: mypitts2 | September 15, 2009 10:46 PM

Does "racist" mean you don't want a communist running our country?
If it does, there may be many more "racists" than are believed by Democrats and it's Acorn subsidary.

Posted by: Tony27 | September 15, 2009 10:44 PM

DNARA Said:
I actually said 'until your party is more than JUST whites" -- just so you quote me correctly.

I don't dislike the repub party because it is all white, in fact I don't "dislike" it at all. I was only pointing out that it has been attacking BHO for not being "one of us" which is extremely lame and veiled reasoning.

Finally, yes, the head of the RNC is African American. Can you name 5 prominent African Americans off the top of your head?

Just curious. I got bogged down after 3 ...

Posted by: ctwallace73 | September 15, 2009 10:43 PM

Jimmy Carter is a dumb-a$$ed peanut farmer.

.

Posted by: Billw3 | September 15, 2009 10:41 PM

Carter's initals may be JC but he's no Jesus Christ, and does not know men's hearts. Not wisdom, just another old guy's best guess.

Posted by: Thinker1 | September 15, 2009 10:38 PM

So anyone critical of Obama has to be racist? Bad enough blacks throw out the race card, now Carter too? Not even Obama would stoop to that. If he did, his presidency would be kaput.

This was predictable. A President isn't going around cheerleading for the party. All the time. From day one. You're supposed to act presidential. Stay in the background and come out swinging when necessary. Otherwise you become hackneyed and lose respect, which is what is occurring with Obama. Perfectly predictable and I wrote as much many months ago before his popularity started to plummet.

Posted by: crumppie | September 15, 2009 10:38 PM

JenDray wrote;
How do we know that Southern Republicans are racist?
It's very simple. Republicans love to point out that the old-time segregationists of the South were mostly Democrats, and this is true. Until 1968 the South was a Democratic stronghold ... and an openly racist society.
But why did the South turn Republican? Because a Democratic president gave voting rights to blacks. Johnson famously said as he put down the pen after signing Civil Rights: "We have lost the South for a generation."
==================================

While your words would sell more copy to the liberal reader, the following would be closer to the truth:

Norman Mattoon Thomas in 1944 wrote: “I no longer need to run as a Presidential Candidate for the Socialist party. The Democrat Party has adopted our platform.”

He also stated, “The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism but, under the name of ‘liberalism,’ they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation without knowing how it happened”.

Posted by: longbow65 | September 15, 2009 10:34 PM

From the comments written here I think that the hatred of Obama would also be shared by a white man who was intelligent, even tempered and knowledgeable. They hate what they wish they were.

Posted by: Gator-ron | September 15, 2009 10:33 PM

Just more noise from the far left . . . no wonder the Democrats chose a donkey as a mascot. When you compare the Progressives talking points to the loud shrilly sound (heehaw) of a donkey . . . their attitude matches the party symbol.

What a bunch of Donkey’s.

Posted by: WeThePeopleofVirginia | September 15, 2009 10:32 PM

CTWallace: I'm sorry, but if there is one group that has a "one of us" mentality, it's blacks. Listen to your comments. "Until your party is more than whites..." Parties are about policies and ideas, not people. If you like lower taxes and protecting individual rights, then be conservative. But if you like these ideas and dont, only because a lot of conservatives are white, then YOU are the racist.

BTW - the head of the Republican Party is black.

Posted by: dnara | September 15, 2009 10:31 PM

If (heaven help us) Carter were president and were doing what BHO is doing - or even less - he'd face even more opposition because he wouldn't have the race card to defend him.

A lot of what Carter has done in the past has been bad and his presidency was a failure. However, this is probably one of the low points and it's probably one of the lowest that a former president has sunk.

Please. This is just sad that Carter has stooped this low. Every protest against the President, because he is black, is now racist?

I'm a 28 year old conservative, and I like Obama a lot personally. He's just seems like a good smart guy. I'm glad he's our leader. But, that doesn't mean I can say that I think he's wrong. Or even that he's lying by omission. I said it with Bush, as many conservatives did too.

The only race baiting going on is by the Left Nuts. Personally, I think my generation, all races included, is sick of it and isn't buying it.

Posted by: dnara | September 15, 2009 10:25 PM

Hey Jimmah

I voted you out of office even though you were white.

What, now?

Posted by: EnoughISEnough | September 15, 2009 10:23 PM

Posted by: longbow65 | September 15, 2009 9:56 PM

Jimmy Carter is a dumb ass. I'm from the south, I did NOT vote for Obama, but not because of his color. Because of his extreme liberal leanings. I also did not vote for John Kerry or Bill Clinton. People who continue to say that others don't like Obama because of his color are race baiting. Why can't they just accept that people don't like Obama because of the CONTENT OF HIS CHARACTER---not because of the color of his skin!!!

Ok, that is great that you voted based on policy and character. But, you can't either race bait nor be dismissive about racism.

Posted by: jharris3 | September 15, 2009 10:21 PM

I'm with JDP11. I've voted for black candidates before but did not vote for Obama because of my fears about his potential for overspending and his lax attitude towards terrorism. Unfortunately my fears are being borne out. Its truly a shame that our first black president could not have been someone more honorable and respected, like Colin Powell.

Carter is an embarrassment. He's a complete apologist for groups that have no common interests with the United States, and now conveniently tars everyone opposed to Obama as a racist by projecting decades-old attitudes on an American society that he's increasingly out of touch with.

Posted by: Illini | September 15, 2009 10:20 PM

jdp & longbow:

I would like to respond with a comment that I have had shoved down my throat multiple times by my conservative, christian, white friends (in their reasoning as to why BHO is a socialist) - IF IT WALKS LIKES A DUCK, TALKS LIKE A DUCK

When your party (or movement if you prefer) becomes more than JUST white, conservatives, then I will pay more attention. Talk about walking and talking like a duck ...

I understand the concerns - but this whole idea that BHO is not one of "us" is one that is not a winning battle for you. You want to "save" America? Do it. Put forth ideas. Debate like men.

But, don't try to box me into paranoia of my black, Socialist, Muslim, Indonesian, Marxist, Kenyan President. Until your side disassociates itself with this kind of fear, your side (win or lose) is going to continue to look like what it looks like to me and and an increasing number of Americans: A movement based (at least in TOO large a part) on fear of "the one" who is NOT "one of us"

Posted by: ctwallace73 | September 15, 2009 10:20 PM

No one has ever claimed that all opponents of Mr. Obama were racists. There are many Republicans out there who loathe on principle anything close to a Democratic party position.

However, much of the criticism of Mr. Obama is geared toward him personally, rather than his policies. Those who question his citizenship, who inaccurately and inappropriately decry him as a "socialist" in the same tones one might say "child molester," who break hundreds of years of precident and call him a liar in the middle of an address to congress (said accuser being a protege of segregationist Strom Thurmond), it's hard not to see racism there. When it is suggested that our president is too dangerous an influence to talk to American schoolchildren, there's racism involved. When a minister prays for him to die of a brain tumor (rather than be murdered, because "we don't want another holiday" - like Martin Luther King's birthday), the undercurrent of racism is close to the surface. When someone running a tea party compares his wife to an ape - that's racism.

Let's not play games and accuse the Democrats of painting Mr. Obama's dissenters with a broad brush. It's not that hard to distinguish the politically driven dissenters to those who would never show that level of disrespect to a white man.

Posted by: JamieRoberts | September 15, 2009 10:20 PM

The truth in the following statement is the liberal Democrats and those passing affirmative action legislation believe the African-American race is inferior to the competing whites. Why else would it continue to provide affirmative action, racial quotas, entitlement, welfare and a boost or leverage on every level of business and government in a free society if they did not think they would do well and prosper on their own merits and intelligence? Why would law suits be a concern if blacks could not pass the proper exams for advancement? Is that where socialism would be a better governing factor? The government could just appoint those to the proper position and maintain the required racial quota and merit need not be a factor in deciding advancement?

While business must have the best and brightest to succeed and profit, the Democrats and the so called leaders of the black community continue to scream that they can not achieve social equality unless given a distinct hiring, educational or testing advantage to succeed. It seems to me the Republicans are more un-biased by saying that the jobs are out there and the federal law states that hiring and advancement must be done on basis of merit and not on the basis of race, creed or religion. That seems to mean there is no bigotry or social supremacy in the constitution or their reasoning. They just need to make sure plenty of jobs are available in the private or free enterprise sector.

This may really be simplifying the issue a bit too much but when the black people of this country throw off this yoke of sympathy the Democrats and liberals maintain on them, they will begin to mature to a social level where there can be a color blind society. Until then the spotlight will always be on them for special treatment by the government and resentment should be expected.

Of course the liberal “well to do” elite will suggest that this is all hog wash but they are always the last to step up to the plate and do anything themselves. They always screech and lament and wet their pants until someone else takes care of it for them so they do not have to get their hands dirty. Just my opinion.

Posted by: longbow65 | September 15, 2009 10:20 PM

I, for one, didn't need Carter to tell me of the obvious.

Posted by: TalkingHead1 | September 15, 2009 10:17 PM

Obama promotes a far left agenda. That is why I don't like him. Race has nothing to do with it. Carter is a self rightous idealogue.

Posted by: davidkarl | September 15, 2009 10:12 PM

It is so interesting that people suggest race as an issue in this opposition against Obama. For one thing we cannot alway claim racial bias when their is opposition to a non-white political leader. Second, we cannot be dismissive and suggest that racism doesn't exist. Either extreme you look at can be dangerous and somewhat healthy. Do I believe there is anxiety to all the spending policies of the administration? Yes I do. Do I believe there is a sense of xenophobic racism? I would hope that there wouldn't be, but yes.I believe conservative Republicans have done it to themselves by not reaching out more to non-white communities and progressive have turned their back on rural small town and white working class voters. Both parties are to blame for racial suggestions. A way to put a dent into this to do away with the two-party system and have a 3rd party emerge that can embrace all races, all demographics, and all social economic classes. This is what will can help the politics of race,but racism and race baiting will NEVER disappear.

Posted by: jharris3 | September 15, 2009 10:07 PM

Carter has gone from lousy president to world class liberal blowhard.

Too bad they don't have a Nobel Prize for being a jackass. He'd win it hands down.

Posted by: InTheMiddle | September 15, 2009 10:05 PM

How do we know that Southern Republicans are racist?

It's very simple. Republicans love to point out that the old-time segregationists of the South were mostly Democrats, and this is true. Until 1968 the South was a Democratic stronghold ... and an openly racist society.

But why did the South turn Republican? Because a Democratic president gave voting rights to blacks. Johnson famously said as he put down the pen after signing Civil Rights: "We have lost the South for a generation."

The large number of Southerners who couldn't forgive Johnson's decision turned Republican. Those who could live with it stayed Democrat. This is basic history.
Therefore, modern southern Republicans are those (or the heirs of those) who couldn't live with the Civil Rights Act.
That's how we know that Southern Republicans tend to be racist. If they weren't racist, they never would have fled to the GOP over Civil Rights.

Any holes in my logic? No, as I said, it's simple, obvious and inescapable, a matter of public record.

Posted by: JenDray | September 15, 2009 10:04 PM

carter is so old I doubt he can see what color anybody is.

Posted by: dgurnee | September 15, 2009 10:03 PM

JDP11-
Jimmy Carter is not dumbass. He was one of the wisest American President and great Humanitarian.

He may be saying truth and we cannot deny that there is a race problem in America and this was manifest in Election and in recent demonstrations.

Why would they call him Indonesian Muslim Thug?

Posted by: smart_sha | September 15, 2009 9:58 PM

For a man that is suppose to have some intelligence, Jimmy Carter talks like a socialist idiot.

I believe healing takes time and social healing takes debate and discussion as well as time. Debate and honest social discussion was halted in the 1960’s with the government forcing political correctness instead of truth and it’s own forced agenda of how people should think and act in a supposedly free society.

This experiment has lasted for over fifty years and has yet to produce any real positive results so the debate and discussions are simply picking up where they left off fifty years ago to hopefully resolve the issues in an honest and natural manner. The conservatives have a habit of being blunt but usually express heart felt honesty where as the liberal socialist use guilt, insults and ridicule to sway their opposition much like Carter attempted.

The two cultures have co-existed peacefully until the Marxist Socialist began their infiltration of the liberal ranks and the attempt to revise the government in plain sight is not appreciated by either side in reality. Conservatives are not opposed to change, but they are opposed to bad changes. Obama still seems to have much to hide from the American people and where the liberals would rather not know the truth, the conservatives must know to have any trust at all that the leadership is solid and who they say they are.
The government needs to decide quickly if a peaceful resolution is wanted because a thorough House cleaning is needed to keep all of the people civil and open to honest discussion about their future and the future of this country.

This debate has never been about race but ideology. It just so happens many ideologies are divided along racial lines. It seems the lines are being drawn and my choice has long been made. I just believe I am right in my decision!

Posted by: longbow65 | September 15, 2009 9:56 PM

Jimmy Carter is a dumb ass. I'm from the south, I did NOT vote for Obama, but not because of his color. Because of his extreme liberal leanings. I also did not vote for John Kerry or Bill Clinton. People who continue to say that others don't like Obama because of his color are race baiting. Why can't they just accept that people don't like Obama because of the CONTENT OF HIS CHARACTER---not because of the color of his skin!!!

Posted by: jdp11 | September 15, 2009 9:33 PM

Is there any doubt about this? The race-baiting by the right wing has been obvious since the election and only seems to have intensified. I'm wondering where this all will end...

Posted by: mpl2 | September 15, 2009 9:26 PM

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